Johannesburg - Boxing fans will be in for a gruelling fight when Hekkie Hexecutioner Budler gets into the ring against Filipino Joey Canoy at Carnival City in Brakpan on Saturday.
The pair will be vying for the vacant International Boxing Organisation (IBO) junior flyweight crown.
The match is likely to be exciting and fast-paced as the pugilists have much in common except for their different records and contrasting styles.
A look at the tale of the tape reflects that Budler, who is right-handed, will rely on his vast experience as he will be up against a southpaw.
Hexecutioner boasts 30 wins and two defeats from 32 paid fights.
Canoy comes into the ring with 12 victories, two losses and a single draw from 15 outings.
The bout is expected to get off to a great start with the two sluggers exchanging heavy leather nonstop from the start.
Last bout
Boxers from the Philippines are generally tough and chances are Canoy will be out to put Budler under immense pressure from the beginning by going for a knockout.
The six bouts that he has won inside the distance show that Canoy – who is five years younger than Budler – will be out to finish the bout early and be crowned the new IBO kingpin.
Canoy was impressive in his last bout that saw him stop countryman Toto Landero in the sixth round in Manila in September.
Budler was exposed by Nicaraguan Byron Rojas who outpointed him to relieve him of the World Boxing Association belt at Carnival City last March.
But the Hexecutioner redeemed himself in October by beating Siyabonga Siyo on points to win the vacant World Boxing Association Pan-African light flyweight crown at Emperors Palace.
Judging by the way they are compared, there is no doubt the bout will be an explosive affair.
And with thousands of fans packing the Emperors arena rooting for their idol Budler, this will be a great boxing match.
The main fight on the Golden Gloves bill will be the international cruiserweight 10 round contest between Kevin Lerena and Namibian Vikapita Meroro.
The rest of the bill
Rowan Campbell (Gauteng) vs Fhulufhelo Ramaliba (Limpopo) – light heavyweight, four rounds; Ryno Liebenberg vs Enrico Kölling (Germany) – light-heavyweight, 10 rounds; Thulani Mbenge (Gauteng) vs Ntuthuko Memela (KwaZulu-Natal) – welterweight, eight rounds.