Polished diamond retains his world titles

THE diminutive boxer, Hekkie Budler, could be described as a diamond in the rough when he started his whirlwind professional boxing at the age of 19 years. But on defending his IBO world title for the fifth consecutive time and WBA straw weight titles he is now one of the most polished diamonds in the world of boxing.

African Explosion boxing tournament took place on Saturday March 1 at Emperors Palace, where three world titles were at stake.

For defending his title for the fifth consecutive time, Budler was awarded the IBO diamond ring. “This is a wonderful time for me in my career and I am very happy that I could pull it off, with of course the help of my entire team at Hot Box gymnasium,” said Budler on receiving the much coveted IBO Diamond ring.

The 25-year-old Budler has matured as a boxer since his humble beginnings, when he stepped in the ring like a whirlwind dispersing of his opponents. His trainer, Colin Nathan, has ever since made him in one of the most spectacular boxers of late. No wonder Ring Magazine rates him as the number one in his weight division in the world.

“He has come a long way since his first step into the ring, but we had the confidence in him as a boxer that he will receive this accolade,” said IBO Africa representative in South Africa Len Hunt. Hunt handed the much coveted IBO Diamond Ring to him on Saturday evening.

Budler retained his two world titles, IBO and WBA straw weight, when he KO’d Karlius Diaz from Colombia in the first round 2:59. Budler came out firing and punished the Columbian from all angles. The moment Diaz dropped his hands, Budler pierced his guard with a thunderous overhand right that sent him sprawling. Diaz was in no condition to continue and referee Steve Smoger from the USA called it a day at 2:59 in the opening round.

Johnny Muller and Wilberforce Shihepo from Namibia will not receive the boxing award for the most spectacular fight of the year. Both fought for the vacant WBC silver international light heavyweight title, which was vacated by Ryno Liebenberg.

The two boxers landed on the canvas too many times wrestling it out rather than showing their boxing skills. Shihepo showed why he is considered to be an experienced boxer on the continent as he got the better of Muller many times, unsettling him with his tactics. But this didn’t bring the Namibian any closer to the title.

Muller’s face was covered with blood when he first received a cut above his left eye, and then the right eye was opened after an accidental head butt from Shihepo. Though the blood was flowing freely from both his eyes, Muller fought with a vengeance to capture the WBC title. Muller was best when he fought from behind the jab, but when Shihepo got on the inside, things became messy. Shihepo received a typical Muller right overhand, which stunned him out of his socks but never hurt him as to call it a day.

The judges called it a split decision with two awarding it to Muller (116 – 114, 116 – 113) and another to Shihepo (114 – 113).

In the final of the three title fights, Ryno Liebenberg, “The Lion” roared again and won the WBC International light heavyweight title. Liebenberg received a couple of punches from WBC number five Joey Vegas from Uganda. He responded to the onslaught suitably by decking him for an eight-count. He KO’d Vegas in the first round 2:56 to take full honours.

In the undercards boxing prospect Ricardo Hiraman won by TKO in the third round 1:04 of the featherweight contest against Phumudzo Monyai.

In the junior flyweight division Sibusiso Twani faced Thabang Ramagole. Twani won on point’s decision 57/56, 57/56, 57/56.

Adam de Moor fought Jeff Otembio in the junior welterweight. The bout was won on a points decision by De Moor 59/54, 60/52, 58/54.