Budler not worried by hostile Philippines fans
HEKKIE Budler is relishing the prospect of fighting in front of hostile fans determined to see him fail in his bid for the IBF junior-flyweight crown in the Philippines in September.
Budler‚ normally the crowd favourite when he boxes at Emperors Palace on the East Rand‚ is expecting the opposite treatment when he takes on Milan Melindo in Cebu — and he is looking forward to it.
“I think I do better when the crowd’s against me because I want to prove them wrong‚” Budler said.
He has been in that situation only a couple of times‚ like when he fought at East London’s atmospheric Orient Theatre venue in 2011 and in Texas the year before that.
“But I’m sure this will be worse‚” the former WBA strawweight titleholder‚ now the owner of the marginal IBO junior-flyweight belt, said.
Budler has started analysing footage of his opponent, who won the title with a first-round knockout of Akira Yaegashi in May.
Budler is Melindo’s first defence and the new champion is promising a first-round knockout.
“This is similar to when I fought [Nkosinathi] Joyi‚” Budler said.
He produced one of the best boxing performances of his career to win a split-points decision over Joyi in 2013.
“People think I’m going to go in there and he’s going to walk all over me. I’m going to give him a hard fight.”
Budler says Melindo punches in spurts‚ but when he does so they are hard and accurate.
The key will be sharpening up his defence and improving his already impressive work rate. Hand speed will also be important.
“He’s pretty much a one-trick pony‚” Budler said.
Melindo’s record is 36 wins and two losses and Budler’s is 31-2. – TimesLIVE