Johannesburg - Hekkie Budler hopes 2017 brings him early success when he fights Filipino Joey Canoy at Emperors Palace on February 4.
The straw-weight’s fight with Canoy will only be the second for Budler since his upset decision loss to Byron Rojas last March. His opponent, however, has won his last two fights - recently knocking out unbeaten Toto Landero.
“I don’t know much about Canoy, haven’t seen any of his fights but I am expecting a very hard fight and I think he is a good puncher so I’m going have to be at my best,” Budler said.
Budler says the loss to Rojas still upsets him: “I just had to look at myself and sort out what was wrong and I did it,”
Budler says the move up to the division hasn’t had a significant impact on him but hopes it brings increased punching power.
Canoy’s trainer, Brix Flores said they are expecting a very tough fight against South African Budler but are confident of victory.