JOHANNESBURG – The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has ordered a rematch between light-flyweight champion Filipino Milan Melindo and South Africa’s Hekkie Budler.
This follows the pair’s controversial 12-rounder last month in Cebu City, Philippines, where the Filipino won officially by split decision.
Colin Nathan, Budler’s trainer, was delighted that the IBF ordered the rematch. “All I wanted was for the IBF to take responsibility for bad officiating. They did so by ordering an immediate rematch,” Nathan told the African News Agency on Thursday.
After the bout in Cebu City, Budler’s camp protested over the officiating.
Their chief complaints centred around referee Wes Melton incorrectly ruling a knockdown against Budler in the 12th round, judge Takeo Harada’s extravagant 117-111 score in favour of the champion, and Melindo’s corner being allowed to apply adrenalin to their boxer’s cut after the 60-second break and after the doctor examined the injury.
If the promoters of the respective boxers are unable to come to an amicable agreement for the rematch, the IBF will order a purse bid.
IN OTHER NEWS: Sanigar Events presents ‘Christmas Cracker’ a night of explosive Professional Boxing at The Dolman Hall, Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol featuring the best up and coming West Country talent.
Dan Sarkozi will headline the seven-fight show hoping to top off 2017 with a clean sweep of 4 wins. Sarkozi has plans to challenge for the Southern Area title next year and a stand out victory will put him in prime position to do so.
Frome’s flagship fighter Ryan ‘The Somerset Stallion’ Wheeler continues to impress after a slick points victory over former Southern Area Champion Jamie Speight this month. Wheeler showed he was a level above Speight with a classy performance to bring his record to 11 fights without a loss. Another successful win in Bristol will set up an opportunity to host a big domestic title fight in his home town of Frome. Undefeated lightweight Tim Cutler earned the first stoppage of his career when a hard blow to the head of his opponent Adam Bannister caused the man from Torquay to damage his ankle prompting referee Kieran McCann to put a halt to the contest. Cutler wants to extend his unblemished record to 10 wins with another gritty performance on December 1st.
Bristol’s gutsy super-welterweight Aaron Sutton cruised to victory over journeyman Paul Cummings last time out and wants to show his army of fans that he can take on a bigger challenge in his next contest. Sutton is progressing well in his first year as a professional under the guidance of experienced coach Alan Thompson who has just been awarded ‘outstanding services to sports award’ at the Bristol Post Awards 2017. Gym mate Tyler Davies has made an impressive start to his first year as a professional with solid wins against Andy Harris and Dylan Draper, Davies wants to finish the year by completing the treble and having a well-earned rest over Christmas.
Gloucester’s talented super-middleweight Wayne Ingram returns to Bristol for the second time, Ingram who was a standout amateur has been in the gym learning his trade and promises to show some new skills when he steps between the ropes in December. Reece Godfrey Sharp will complete the lineup, making his professional debut in front of home fans. As a school boy amateur at the National Smelting Boxing Club Sharp won the Western Counties, Midlands Area, Southern Area and Derbyshire county championships, winning the latter 3 times in a row. Sharp has high hopes for his professional career and wants to kick things off with a winning start.
*** Tickets priced at £30 Unreserved seating, £40 Ringside and £50 & £60 VIP Tables including food are available from Sanigar Events on 0117 949 6699 *** Under 16’s accompanied by an adult, tickets are £10
