Hekkie “Hexecutioner” Budler says he was heartbroken when his efforts failed to sway two judges in his gallant challenge against IBF junior flyweight champion Milan Melindo in the Philippines last Saturday.
“I thought I won the fight and I even felt in me that I won but the judges saw it differently. When the decision was announced I felt a stabbing pain through my heart,” said Budler on his arrival back in SA yesterday.
“I think I lost four rounds in that fight. Even the last round, where I lost two points for a slip which was ruled a knockdown, I still believed I won that round.”
One judge scored the closely contested fight 115-113 for Budler while the others scored it 117-110 and 115-112 for Melindo.
Budler – a former IBO, WBA and WBA Super mini flyweight champ – gave one of the greatest performances of his career.
“It was my best, although the result was not what we had wanted,” said the 29- year-old boxer who suffered only his third defeat against 31 wins.
“What can we do . move on.”
Trainer Colin Nathan was also livid.
“The result was disgusting. Even if you count the knockdown, which was a slip anyway, still we won the fight. Ring generalship, punches thrown and landed, we are the ones [who won]. We outboxed and outsmarted Melindo.
“I am very happy with Hekkie’s performance. It was an epic performance from Hekkie, who proved that he is one of the best in the world. We just gonna have to keep moving on.”
