Philippines, 12 May 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


BEBOT ELORDE TO FILE PROTEST WITH IBO ON RUBILLAR DECISION


PhilBoxing.com




Promoter and boxing manager Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde says he will file a protest with the IBO over what was widely perceived to be a hometown decision in the IBF light flyweight title eliminator between veteran Juanito Rubillar (48-14-7, 23 KO’s) and South Africa’s Hekkie Budler (14-0, 5 KO’s) at Emperors Casino, Kempton Park in South Africa last Sunday, Manila Time.

Elorde claimed that Rubilllar dropped Budler in one of the late rounds (Round 9 by his recollection) but that after referee Pete Podgorski counted to two he suddenly stopped the count and ruled it a knockdown.

In fact Super Sport in South Africa reported that two judges who scored the fight for Budler by margins of 117-113 (Lulama Mtya) and 115-113 (Deon Dwarte) “gave the fight” to Budler and said “gave may be the operative word.” The third judge ( Isaac Tshabalala) scored it even at 114-114.

The report stated that Rubillar and “many in the crowd will call it a hometown decision. It will be hard to argue against them” even as it said Rubillar staggered Budler on a number of occasions and while the undefeated South African started aggressively and took the early rounds, Rubillar came back in round four and connected with a number of shots to the body as Budler backed off.

Dispatch Online reported that “while an unmarked, composed Rubillar appeared to outclass Budler for much of the 12 round fight after a slow start in the opening three rounds, a panel of judges made up of South Africans saw fit to award the decision to their battered, out-fought and out-punched countryman.”

After the fight we sent IBO president Ed Levine an email pointing out that based on South African media reports themselves the decision was “a really poor if not bad decision” and inquired whether the IBO would “review a tape of the fight and take whatever action is deemed appropriate including a possible rematch.”

The IBO president informed us that he had received a report from his fight supervisor – South Africa’s Len Hunt – and referee Podgorski and that “both have indicated that in their opinion, keeping in mind that they were not actually scoring the fight, that it was a very close contest and they were not surprised by the result.”

However, Levine said Rubillar’s management “is entitled to file a protest” and if they do the IBO will review the tape of the fight.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán on Barcelona-Real Madrid La Liga finals
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan
    , Tue, 12 May 2026
  • Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
    By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
    By Dong Secuya, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Boxing trio reunited up there
    By Joaquin Henson, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • 1st CK Ingles Chess Kings Set to Kick Off
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Mon, 11 May 2026
  • Zhu Outguns "The Assassin" Ian Abne in Cebu Thriller, Earns Shot at IBF Champ Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Arañas Survives Harsh Knockdown, Stops Noynay to Claim WBF Strap in Cebu (Fist of Fury X Results)
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Mindoro faces strong Mexican opponent
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Blood, Grit, and Iron: Zhu Outlasts Abne in a Cebu War
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 10 May 2026
  • Tickets ON SALE NOW for Abdullah Mason-Joe Cordina at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
    , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia bags gold in ASEAN E-Sports chess qualifying round
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Fireworks Expected as Cebu's Arañas and Noynay Rumble for WBF Silver Belt
    By Carlos Costa, , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Keyshawn Davis: "Nahir Albright’s Going To Be the Fourth Guy I Stop in a Row!"
    , Sat, 09 May 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaiman: Cinco De Mayo, A Historic Celebration Of Boxing
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Abne, Zhu Make Weight for IBF Eliminator in Cebu; Winner Fights Taduran
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • IBA presents stacked fight card for May 21 event in Mexico City
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Laurente to promote amateur boxing
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Heavyweight Gustavo Trujillo Has a New Date Returns May 30 at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Toro Promotions & Whitfield Haydon Officially Announce ‘Sizzling Summer Boxing Series’
    , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Jean Henri Lhuillier Drives ASAPHIL’s Winning System Through Long-Term Vision and Coaching Continuity
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 08 May 2026
  • Dy ready to face Malignaggi in BKB on May 16
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Thu, 07 May 2026
  • ‘A younger lion always comes for that old lions spot. Your time is up, GET OUT OF MY WAY! – Manny Ritti challenges former ONE FC World Champion Nobutsu Suzuki May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Thu, 07 May 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.