THE big-hearted Hekkie Budler notched up his fourth world title when he made heavy weather of his Philippine opponent, Joey Canoy, over the weekend.
In front of a sold-out crowd at the FORUS Thunder and Lightning boxing tournament, Budler once again showed why he is slowly becoming one of South Africa’s living legends in boxing. He roped in the vacant IBO junior-flyweight crown and by doing that added the title to his previous belts. Budler won the WBA and IBO minimum and IBO light flyweight titles. He now boasts 31 wins and two defeats from 33 paid fights.
The FORUS Thunder and Lightning tournament was held on Saturday, February 4, at Emperors Palace and was presented by Golden Gloves Promotions.
Sensing that his opponent was in South Africa to do business, Budler cautiously approached the Philippine in the opening rounds.
He listened very carefully to his corner and trainer, Colin Nathan from the Hot Box gymnasium, to constantly get closer and pin Canoy down.
Budler eventually broke through the tight defence and became more dominant from round six.
Budler unleashed an array of body punches in round seven, when Canoy took to the ropes as salvage, but this did not pay off. Canoy was sent to the canvas for the full count in the same round.
To protect their boxer, the Philippine’s corner decided to call it a day, giving Budler the win by TKO in the seventh.
In the much-anticipated international catch-weight fight between Kevin Lerena and Namibian Vikapita Meroro over 10 rounds, the South African showed his superiority and won by TKO in the fifth round.
Lerena’s left hook ripped through Meroro, sending him straight to the canvas in round one, to take the full count from referee Thabo Spambool. Meroro adopted survival tactics by holding on to Lerena, clearly encountering the powerful punches that Lerena launched onto his body.
Meroro then opted to quit rather than face a knockout and gave Lerena his 18th win.
“Lerena marches on,” said promoter Rodeny Berman from Golden Gloves. “Next stop will be the US in April or May.”
In a very significant fight, Ryno Liebenberg and Enrico Koelling were handed a rematch in the international light heavyweight division. The South African could not capitalise on home soil and lost by a unanimous points decision by the judges 96/94, 96/94, 97/93.
The German camp decided to take on the rematch in South Africa and it paid off. Koelling’s experience as an amateur, and the knowledge he gained as a professional, made him a difficult target for Liebenberg, who gave it his all, but in the end it was just not enough to win the rematch.
The German’s punches were cleaner and more polished, and he rocked the South African with a superb uppercut in the ninth to most probably seal the fight.
Liebenerg, the South African light-heavyweight champion, will have a good rest before deciding on his future.
To open the evenings proceedings Rowan Cambell won by a KO in the first round 1:41 against Fhulufhelo Ramaliba.
Thulani Mbenge won by TKO in the third round 56 seconds against Ntuthuko Memela.
The boxing fraternity can look forward to the next tournament on Sunday, April 23, at Emperors Palace.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Add us on WhatsApp today! Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.
