Hekkie Budler Looks Sharp in Ayala Public Work Out; Ready for Melindo (PHOTOS / VIDEO)
By Carlos Costa PhilBoxing.com Sun, 10 Sep 2017
CEBU CITY, Philippines - IBO Flyweight World Champion Hekkie Budler of South Africa looked sharp, fast and in excellent shape during his public work out Saturday Sep 9 at Ayala Cebu as he gives the final touches to his preparation ahead of his much awaited Pinoy Pride 42 CLASH FOR GLORY rumble against Filipino titlist Milan Melindo for the IBF Flyweight World Title this coming Saturday Sep 16 @ the Waterfront Hotel & Casino here in Cebu.
Budler (31-2, 10 KO's), an experience 2-division world champion began his work out jumping the rope for several minutes, appearing relaxed, lean and comfortable as Cebu fans looked at him wondering if the man in front of them is capable of beating their local hero.
After the jump rope, Budler, a tested professional, did rounds of shadow boxing, sweating while employing his speedy, slick moves, throwing 5-punch combos, which he normally starts with jabs followed by straights, uppers and right hooks. It was a exciting showing as Budler is owner of a very impressive boxing technique that has helped him prevail in world title combats over tough foes, including six clashes against Filipino fighters.
In fact, his rumble against Melindo will be the seventh time that Budler battles a Pinoy fighter, all the previous ones he has dominated.
The last routine of Budlers work out in Ayala was a round of mitts with his experienced coach Colin Nathan where Budler practiced again his combos as well as his right hooks and straight left, which he threw repeatedly from the southpaw stance, as can be seen in this story's accompanying photos and video. However, Budler is an orthodox fighter who throws the left jab and stands with his left leg forward.
After the work out, Budler took photos with Cebu fans and appearing friendly, accommodating and enjoying himself in his first visit the amazing Philippine land.
However, Budler's coach, Colin Nathan, said during the presscon last Thursday at the Radisson Blue Hotel that he and Hekkie Budler are delighted to be in the Philippines, though they are not here on a holiday:
"Let me be clear, we are glad to be here, but we are not here in a holiday. We came to the Philippines with the mission to beat Milan Melindo and take the IBF Flyweight World title with us to South Africa."
That remains to be seen if Budler can do that as Melindo is tough nut to crack, an experienced fighter with lots of resources. Budler can expect to have fierce opposition.
In addition, even though Budler is not a great knock out puncher, the South African is quick with his hands and feet. He thinks and moves smartly above the ring and knows what fighting under pressure during 12 torrid rounds is all about. Indeed, twelve rounds is a long distance that Budler has traveled under fire repeatedly.
Importantly, the friendly, though tough South African knows how to adjust in the ring. That is because of his vast experience, and he knows how to win rounds.
Same as Milan Melindo, Hekkie Budler has only two loses in his record as both men have been outpointed in their long fighting careers, though neither men has ever been stopped. Will one of them got stopped on September 16? There is only one way to know.
Tickets for Pinoy Pride: Clash For Glory are available at all ALA Gym Boxing Fitness branches, selected RD Pawnshops branches, Ayala Concierge Booth, First 5 Sports Lounge & Cafe, Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino and ALA Promotions Office.
Ticket prices range from 5,000 pesos to 300 pesos.
Pinoy Pride 42 Melindo vs Budler in "Clash for Glory" is a production of ALA Boxing Promotions.
