Hekkie Budler, South Africa’s most prolific boxer of the modern age, will be up against two opponents when he fights in Japan on Monday afternoon (SA time) - Kenshiro Teraji and Father Time.
If he is able to master the latter, he will be in with a chance against the former, the Ring and unified WBA/WBC junior-flyweight champion.
The tournament will be broadcast live from Tokyo on SS Variety 4 from 1pm, with the main bout anticipated to begin shortly after 2pm.
Aged 35, the grizzled challenger has been a prize fighter for 16 years, taking his gloves to locales as exotic as Mexico, Monte Carlo, and Macau, embellishing his reputation as one of the sport’s best little men. On song, Budler is a non-stop dynamo with a solid chin and razor-sharp fighting instincts.
He’s had his arm raised in 34 of his 39 fights, a testament to his class and doggedness, but also a reflection of his time in the sport. His last fight lasted a mere 43 seconds, but that was an aberration – he’s been involved in many ring wars, all of which have taken a toll on his body.
Budler is capable and has grit and guile, qualities he first honed on the rough streets on the western side of Johannesbuirg. The trouble is that Teraji is four years younger with far less mileage.
His 21 wins in 22 fights include a long reign as WBC champion previously. Budler won’t need to go looking for him – he’s there to be hit – but he’s slick and punches hard. With a home crowd behind him, he won’t be easily beat.
But there is genuine optimism within the SA camp. “He’s trained hard,” said trainer Colin Nathan. “We always wanted Teraji and the WBC belt, the ultimate prize. Hekkie is ready mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He’s ready to go, he’s ready to produce an upset.”
If he does, he will embellish his argument to be rated among South Africa’s greatest boxers. He, along with Vic Toweel, Arnold Taylor, and Brian Mitchell, are the only local boxers recognised as the universal king of their division by The Ring. Should he do so for a second time, Budler will be in a rare club of one.