Budlers’ reign is superior
Golden Gloves promotions to host their first boxing tournament of 2016.
SOUTH Africa has its first WBA Super champion after the World Boxing Association confirmed Budler’s elevation from regular champion. “This announcement was made on Wednesday, January 13,” said a very proud Rodney Berman from Golden Gloves Promotions.
“It’s an enormous endorsement of the strawweight champion’s status and puts him in the league of Leo Santa Cruz, Gennady Golovkin, Sergey Kovalev and Tyson Fury, who all hold Super titles.”
“I am very humble following the announcement of my status,” said South African world champion, Hekkie Budler, “but there is one title that I would like to add to my existing five belts and that of the Ring Magazine world title.”
“I am the title holder and the number one or two contender for the title can challenge me and I will fight them anywhere in the world, Vic Toweel was the only other South African to hold this title.” Budler, who as an amateur was part and particle of the Booysens Boxing Club, now boxes out of the Hot Box Gym ably train and managed by Colin Nathan.
Budler will defend his titles against against Nicaragua’s Byron Rojas (16-2), the 10th-ranked contender. He is also ranked number two by the WBC and number seven by the IBF.
“I know that there will be enormous pressure on me, but as usual I work hard and under Colin we always have a good structure.” said Budler.
The next tournament will take place on Saturday, March 19, at Emperors Palace.
Also in the line-up is Paul Kamanga from the South against dangerous Russian Roman Belaev for the WBA Pan-Africa welterweight title. On the undercards will be the much anticipated rematch between Warren Joubert from Alberton and Grant Fourie for the South African and Interim WBA Pan-Africa titles.
In the meantime Jeff Ellis from African Ring will announce his bill for the family and fun boxing day on Sunday, February 7, at Emperors Palace.
To book your table for March 19 contact Ellis on 078 457 3030.
