Almacen to fight Budler for WBA Super Int’l light flyweight title
By Lito delos Reyes
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 03 May 2021
DAVAO CITY – Former WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver minimumweight champion Jonathan “Pretty Boy” Almacen of Muntinlupa will fight former world champion Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler of South Africa for the WBA Super International light flyweight title on May 22 at the Booyens Gym in South Africa.
The 21-year-old Almacen (7W-3L-2D, 2KOs), who stayed in Manila last April 25 will leave the country together with Coach Joma “Koizumi” Gamboa, former WBA World minimumweight title holder.
“Di ko pa po alam po kay boss Brico Santig po. Nag aayos pa po visa namin (I still don't know boss Brico Santig. We are still arranging visas),” said Almacen.
Santig is the owner of the Highland Boxing Promotion. It has a gym in Manila where Almacen and Gamboa are presently staying.
Almacen currently weighs at 117 lbs. and has a sparred 12 rounds three times.
“Mga six rounder pa lang po. Nag uwian po yung ibang mga boxer sa kanila dahil sa COVID po (It's only about six rounders. The other boxers went home to them because of COVID),” said Almacen.
“Pero ready na ready na po (But we're ready).”
Almacen beat Xiang Li of China by unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council silver minimumweight title last Nov. 18, 2018 in Pasay City.
“Sana suportahan nila ako sa aking darating na laban at ipag dasal. Gagawin ko ang lahat para maipanalo ang laban ko na ito (I hope they will support me in my coming fight and pray. I will do everything to win this fight),” said Almacen.
Budler (32W-4L-0D, 10KOs), on the other hand, lost his WBA Super world light flyweight title to Hiroto Kyoguchi of Japan by a TKO in the 10th round last Dec. 31, 2018 in Macao.
The even is promoted by Uppercut Promotions.
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