Ticker tape to be rolled out for dynamic ‘Hexecutioner’
THE newest dual boxing world champion Hekkie Budler is expected to arrive today to a raucous reception at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport.
A big boxing contingent including Boxing SA chief executive, Tsholofelo Lejaka, promoter Rodney Berman and Budler’s family and friends are expected to cram the airport’s reception area, after Budler pulled off a historic feat in Japan at the weekend.
His upset victory over defending world junior-flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi in Tokyo on Sunday morning, has set tongues wagging.
The ‘Hexecutioner” becomes the first African boxer to win the WBA, IBF and Ring magazine crown in the division.
His trip to Japan follows a protest lodged with the IBF regarding the referee’s handling of his fight against then IBF champion Milan Melindo of Philippines, in September last year.
The IBF ordered a rematch, but following Taguchi’s victory over Melindo, after the latter agreed to a unification bout with the Japanese, the IBF title was also on the line in Japan, as well as the WBA and Ring Magazine crowns.
Budler’s victory over Taguchi in Tokyo is one of the biggest upsets involving a SA boxer.
Berman admitted he had not really given his charge a chance of causing an upset as he was fighting in foreign territory.
“I figured Hekkie would not be able to overcome the odds but I was pleasantly surprised,” he said.
Lejaka said Budler’s win had elevated the standard of boxing in the land. “For him to walk into enemy territory and come back with a win is major achievement,” he said.
Budler’s trainer Colin Nathan could only thank the support he and his fighter had received from the country’s fans.
He was confident of victory before he left for Japan, saying he had studied Taguchi and had devised a cunning game-plan to vanquish him. By winning the three belts simultaneously, Budler becomes a two division world champion, having also held the WBA mini-flyweight super title.
He defined his boxing status when he beat Mdantsane’s Nkosinathi Joyi on points in 2013.
Budler celebrated his 30th birthday on Friday, a day before the weigh-in and clocked up 32 wins against three losses.
Budler, Nathan and assistant trainer Benny Pailman and Vusi Mtolo are expected in at 4.30pm