Pound-for-Pound fighter puts world titles on the line

JOHANNESBURG – Pound-for-pound number one in the world, Hekkie Budler, has put his world titles on the line and will be defending them against countryman, Simphiwe Khonco, in the Uncivil War boxing extravaganza.

Uncivil War, presented by Golden Gloves Promotions, will take place on Saturday, September 19, at Emperors Palace.

Budler will defend his WBA and IBO minimumweight championship belts in this long-awaited bout.

“It was difficult to get anyone in the world to come out and fight Budler, but we have turned to South Africa and have found a very capable boxer in Khonco, from the Eastern Cape, who will try his hand in this fight,” said Rodney Berman from Golden Gloves Promotions.

It will be Budler’s first defense of his titles in South Africa since he returned from successfully defending his titles in Monte Carlo. For the first time in six fights, Budler will also face a local rival after successfully defending his title against Nkosinathi Joyi in a classic encounter.

Khonco is ranked WBA number 10 while Budler will be defending his title for the 10th time in a row.

Coming to the party will be Southerners Jason Bedeman and Paul Kamanga. These two will be the main undercard in a junior-welterweight bout.

Popular light-heavyweight, Ryno Liebenberg will be back in business when he takes on the number four rated Makhosandile Zwengu for the vacant South African title.

Returning to South Africa is Roman Zhailauov, Kazakhstan junior-welterweight, to fight Thompson Mokwana. Also featuring at Uncivil War is Irish amateur champion, Gary Sweeney who trains out of the Colin Nathan’s camp, Hot Box.

Tickets are available at Computicket or the Emperors Palace Box Office.