Budler-Khonco has makings of a classic
The world title bout between champion Hekkie Budler and countryman Simphiwe Khonco at Emperors Palace, east of Johannesburg, on Saturday, has the potential to be one of the classics of South African boxing.
Rodney Berman, the Golden Gloves promoter who is staging the tournament headlined ‘Uncivil War’ said when Budler steps into the ring to defend his WBA and IBO minimumweight titles on Saturday, the bout has the makings of one of most zealously-waged contests seen in this country for a while.
Berman said the bout could rank alongside all-SA classics like the Gerrie Coetzee-Kallie Knoetze, Phillip Ndou-Cassius Baloyi and Pierre Coetzer-Johnny du Plooy contests.
Colin Nathan, Budler’s trainer, said with two local rivals in the ring, there was a humdinger was in the offing.
“It’s going to be great for South African fight fans with two locals squaring up, one from Gauteng and the other from the Eastern Cape,” said Nathan. “It promises to be a humdinger.”
Budler already has 12 world championship bouts under his belt and his three most recent title defences have been abroad and against foreigners. Since June last year, he defended successfully against Jesus Silvestre (Mexico), Chao Zhong Xiong (China) and Pigmy Kokietgym (Thailand).
Facing a South African on home soil, has proved more daunting for Budler’s camp. As a result, Nathan has ensured that his charge will be in peak condition.
“We have prepared for this bout a lot earlier than normal because I’m leaving no stone unturned.
“He’s (Khonco) a strong puncher, he punches exceptionally hard and he’s a warrior. He wants to win this fight and will put everything on the line.
“But he’ll be up against a fighter (Budler) who has superior skills, who brings loads of tenacity and grit.
“The pressure is on us, we’re fighting at home and we haven’t done so for 18 months.
“It’s a local derby and the Eastern Cape wanted this fight so badly, but we have a responsibility to put on a great fight and that’s what we will do.”
Khonco’s manager Andile Sidinile said his fighter was ready to claim Budler’s two world title belts.
“We have a plan to unsettle Budler,” said Sidinile. “We have high regard for Hekkie, who is the most humble, respectful boxer I have ever known, but his time is up.”
The 29-year-old Budler has lost one of his 29 fights, including a modest nine knockouts.
Khonco, 28, is world rated No 4 by the WBA and has a professional record of 19-4 includes seven wins inside the distance.
The bout will be refereed by one of the most experienced officials in the world, South African Stan Christodoulou. -- Herman Gibbs
ANA