Hekkie Budler's blockbuster world title deal announced

The deal will see Budler earn a double pay cheque to step aside for Japanese WBC junior-flyweight world champion Kenshiro Teraji and WBO’s Puerta Rican world champion Jonathan Gonzalez to enter into a unification bout set for April.

Speaking to SABC Sport just moments after the deal was signed yesterday, Nathan revealed that the veteran minimumweight specialist has secured a deal to fight the winner of Teraji and Gonzalez.

"Some big news coming up, we've just signed off [that] Hekkie Budler will be fighting the winner of Gonzalez and Teraji in July/August," confirmed Nathan.

"We were supposed to fight Teraji now in April, but we've been offered a great business deal from Teiken Promotions, which we've accepted this morning, for a step-aside fee on a ridiculous amount of money.

"And then also, a title shot – with a guarantee in writing, which I've got – with the winner of Gonzalez and Teraji, also for even more ridiculous money.

"So, you know, boxing is a business, it's my job and responsibility to get the best deal for my fighters, which I do."

Nathan added that another deal clincher for this lucrative agreement was that the WBO belt is now also in the mix, and it was a no-brainer for them to go ahead with it.

"The thing of this deal as well is that the WBO belt will also be on the line. So that was a big carrot and sweetener for us as well, besides obviously the business side and money aspects," he said.

"I was thinking, Hekkie's always wanted the WBO belt and the WBC belt – here in one fight, he gets the opportunity to contest for three belts, including the ones he hasn't won."