History beckons for EL boxing

The mandatory title defence bout has been confirmed by manager and trainer Colin Nathan for February 2023. 

The joint venture between Matchroom and Rumble Africa Promotions could see the first title defence on home soil, which Nathan believes will be a game changer. 

“Nothing is cast in stone yet, but obviously, that's what we're working towards. I'd love to take that fight to East London, he's entitled to a voluntary fight, and voluntary defence and that's probably the plan for February/March next year,”” he said. 

“Matchroom are aware that we want to do a homecoming, it's a big thing for South African boxing, South Africa's only legitimate World Champion. Bearing in mind, we haven't had a legitimate World title in South Africa since 2016 when Hekkie Budler lost his championship",

Meanwhile, the WBC approved veteran South African boxer and three-time former world champion Budler to challenge newly crowned WBC and WBA champion Kenshiro Teraji, at 

Nathan though suspects a string of delays on the horizon. 

"I didn't think it'll go in my favour, there still might be another cog in the wheel. I think Jonathan González might, or (Kenshiro) Teraji might petition the WBC ruling which means effectively that unification might happen with González and Teraji. 

I'm hoping not, we are running out of time for the petition, to go from the WBO with González and WBC, in fact, I think it's only a matter of days now, but an excerpt. So right now as it stands, Hekkie Budler will fight Teraji for the belts: Ring Magazine WBC and WBA”, said Nathan after the WBC convention in Mexico.