Experienced Budler should win IBO title
FOUR-TIME CHAMP SHOULD PREVAIL
IT IS said that fight records do not give the precise competency of boxers especially if those records are characterless.
But still there is no way that Filipino novice Joey Canoy – who has 12 wins in 15 fights – will stand in the way and prevent vastly-experienced former fourtime world champion Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler from winning his fifth world title.
The fighters will headline Golden Gloves’ Thunder and Lightning bill for the vacant IBO junior flyweight belt at Emperors Palace on Saturday night.
Budler is a former IBO, WBA and WBA Super mini flyweight and IBO junior flyweight champion.
Having been around since 2007, Budler has fought top-name fighters, including Chao Zhong Xiong in more than 15 championship fights. He has 30 wins from 32 bouts. Canoy, 23, has boxed against unknown fighters like Rodel Tejares (20 wins and 34 losses) and Fabio Marfa (25 wins and 29 losses). He does not even have power to cause an upset, having stopped only six of his foes.
The main supporting bout could actually steal the thunder from the main event because of what will be at stake between SA and WBA Pan African cruiserweight holder Kevin “KO Kid” Lerena and Namibian Vikapita “The Beast Master” Meroro.
Lerena, 24, cannot lose even though their bout is just a 10-rounder. Defeat will shatter his future move to feature in USA-based Banner Promotions. Lerena boasts 16 wins against a points loss.
Meroro must show that he is still a force to be reckoned with. He last fought in 2015 when he suffered his fifth defeat against 28 wins.
Recently crowned ABU welterweight champion Thulani “Tulz” Mbenge will take on unpredictable Ntuthuko Memela over 10 rounds.
Memela has 12 wins, three losses and two draws.
Golden Gloves will have pre-fight medicals today.