BUDLER SET TO FACE WBC CHAMPION FROM CHINA
HEKKIE Budler’s recent startling victory against venerated Nkosinathi Joyi has earned the whirlwind performer the No 2 spot in the latest WBC ratings.
Budler, the former IBO All Africa and the same organisation ’ s juniorflyweight titlist, who is trained by Colin Nathan and Vusi Mtolo, is the highestrated South African boxer in the WBC rankings.
The Mexico-based sanctioning boxing body does not recognise the IBO but Budler’s consistency as the reigning IBO king as well as his upset win over Joyi was so commendable that the WBC’s ratings committee could not ignore it.
Budler is now on the brink of a money-spinning unification bout with WBC champion Xiong Zhao Zhong of China. The winner will take both belts.
Joyi, the former IBO and IBF champion, has been relegated to the 21st spot, only two spots above Simphiwe Khonco, the current South African strawweight cham- pion. Zukisani Kwayiba is rated 38th.
Bongani Silila, the current national junior- flyweight titlist, is rated at No 36, while national flyweight king Lwandile Sityatha ’ s recent points win over Jackson Chauke has earned the champion the 37th spot.
Zolani Tete occupies the 22nd spot in the juniorbantamweight class while Vus ’ Umuzi Malinga is placed 26th in the bantamweight division.
Simpiwe Vetyeka’s victory for the IBO featherweight belt over Daud Cino Yordan in Indonesia on April 14 has deservedly earned him 24th position.
Sipho Taliwe has been duly relegated to the 19th position in the juniorlightweight class for losing the WBC International title to unknown Mart Gallett on May 16 in Australia.
IBO welterweight champion Chris van Heerden is rated 33rd, while the same organisation ’ s super middleweight champion, Thomas Oosthuizen, has been placed fifth despite a poor performance in his recent drawn 10-rounder with Brandon Gonzalez in the US.
African Boxing Union cruiserweight titlist Thabiso Mchunu is rated No 7 while Ilunga Makabu, who won the WBC Silver belt against Russian Dymtro Kucher in Monte Carlo on Saturday night, is in 19th place.