Budler retains titles in Monaco
Hekkie Budler retained his two titles in Monaco this weekend.
Witpoortjie’s very own Hekkie Budler successfully defended his World Boxing Association (WBA) WBA and International Boxing Organization (IBO) minimumweight titles this weekend.
He was up against Mexico’s Jesus Silvestre on Saturday night at Salle des Étoiles in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Budler won on points over twelve rounds with 115-112 on two cards and 117-110 on the third.
The fight was the main supporting bout to the middleweight title contest between Gennady Golovkin and England’s Martin Murray.
Budler’s win extends his career record to 28 wins and one defeat, stretching his winning-streak to 11 matches in the last four years.
Budler is known to be a slow starter and Silvestre took advantage, edging the South African in the first three rounds. This put Budler on the back foot.
In the second round, Silvestre was penalized by South African referee Stanley Christodoulou for a low blow.
It took fancy footwork from Budler in the middle stages to stay in the match and as the final round approached, stepped up his game to see him home.
