CANOY AND BUDLER SET FOR IBO TITLE SHOWDOWN

Joey Canoy will try to overcome tall odds when he fights Hekkie Budler of South Africa for the vacant International Boxing Organization (IBO) light flyweight title.

Both Canoy (12-2-1,6KO?s) and Budler (30-2,9KO?s) easily made the division limit during the official weigh-in. Canoy weighed 48.22kgs (106.3lbs) while Budler stepped on the scales at 48.8kgs (107.5lbs). They will square off at the Emperor?s Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng in South Africa.

Working in Canoy?s corner is trainer Brix Flores and his better half Joy Flores, who informed philboxing of the weigh-in results.

History will not be on the side of the 23 year old Canoy; it?s been a long time since a Filipino won a major bout in South Africa. The 28 year old Budler, known as the Hexecutioner, is a former IBO and WBA world minimumweight champ. He has been fighting at the world championship level since 2010.

Budler has beaten former world titlists like Filipino Florante Condes, fellow South African Nkosinathi Joyi, China?s Chao Zhong Xiong, and Mexican Jesus Silvestre.

Canoy was born in Gen.Santos City and is based in Mandaue City, Cebu. He will be fighting outside the Philippines for the first time against his first foreign foe. His last fight was in September, when he stopped Toto Landero in the sixth round on the undercard of Jerwin Ancajas? IBF super flyweight title win against McJoe Arroyo title fight in Fort Bonifacio. The one thing going for Canoy will be his speed and possibly the element of surprise.

Photo - Hekkie Budler (left) and Joey Canoy during the pre-fight press conference. Photo c/o Team Canoy.