Hekkie Budler puts it all on the line against the dangerous Hiroto Kyoguchi on the under-card of Nietes-Ioka
On the under-card of a blockbuster championship main event is another huge championship battle featuring Hekkie Budler and Hiroto Kyoguchi.
This fight has the potential to steal the show. Trophies include bragging rights for the victor and being labeled the lineal champion of the light flyweight division.
WBA &Lineal Champion: Hekkie Budler (32-3, 10KOs)
The unified two-division champion is no stranger to fighting tough opponents. Just watch fights with Milan Melindo, Ryoichi Taguchi, Byron Rojas and Gideon Buthelezi. However, this by far will be the most dangerous challenger of his career.
Having more experience and a slight edge in reach, he will need to use all the tools in his toolbox to win this. Using a high work-rate to offset the lack of power has been an effective trademark.
Perhaps the better boxer with good defense and footwork, he needs to maintain distance while controlling the pace of the fight.
Path to Victory
Throw the jab with conviction, keep the fight at mid-range, stay off the ropes and don’t get into exchanges.
Challenger: Hiroto Kyoguchi (11-0, 8KOs)
The former IBF minimumweight champion has been bulldozing through opponents in tremendous fashion. This has caught the attention of the boxing community.
After having trouble making weight and a lackluster performance against Vince Paras, he decided to move up. The big question was “would the power follow?”
That got answered in spectacular fashion with a fourth round knockout over undefeated #6 rated Tibo Monabesa.
The performance was so dominating that many pundits believe a case can be made that going into this fight, Kyoguchi was naturally the bigger man.
Path to Victory
Attack the body from the opening bell, stay in his chest, throw combinations and mix up the attack.
The Outcome
There is no doubt both fighters deserve high respect for making this fight.
Budler knows what to expect and can control the fight at mid-range. However, at times, he will get into unnecessary exchanges.
That can be a huge mistake in this contest. It’s worth noting the champion has never been knocked out and can fight pretty good off the back foot while utilizing nice head movement.
Kyoguchi is proving with each fight that he’s just on another level. He mixes speed with power and can land punches from angles.
Also, he is a very good counter-puncher that seems to add extra leverage with throwing to the body. This has taken the legs away from most of his victims.
Budler will have to continue fight a particular fight that he may be incapable of doing for twelve rounds. As a result, Hiroto Kyoguchi will leave China the new light flyweight WBA and lineal champion!
By: Garrisson Bland
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