South African Hekkie Budler, who boasts some pythons and an anaconda for household pets, steps up in class when he takes on Filipino Juanito Rubillar in Johannesburg on February 27.
Rubillar, a compatriot of Manny Pacquiao, is an experienced campaigner with 68 fights in total, having won 48, lost 13 and drawn seven.
At 32 he is 11 years older than Budler, who comes with an unblemished record of 13 wins, five by stoppage.
On the other hand, the only Filipino fighters to beat South Africans are Pacquiao (against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba) and Nonito Donaire (against Moruti Mthalane).
Local fight critics will tell you that Budler has flaws and could be too wet behind the ears for a fighter of Rubillar’s calibre. Rubillar’s best years appear to be behind him, but at his peak he was a tough world title contender. However, he has lost three of his last five fights, two of them by stoppage.
They are fighting for the marginal IBO’s vacant junior-flyweight title.
Who do you think will win?
