Queen Bee and fly guy keep belting out winners

18 March 2016 - 02:52 By Bongani Magasela

Pioneering boxer Noni "She Bee Stingin'" Tenge and Hekkie "Hexecutioner" Budler are out to defend not only their world titles, but also their ambassadorial rankings this weekend. Tenge, who is trained by Luyanda Sovasi, will defend against Szilvia Szabados from Hungary at Durban's Olive Convention Centre tonight, while tomorrow Budler will make the first defence of his newly acquired WBA Super status against Byron Rojas from Nicaragua, at Emperors Palace.Tenge, from Mdantsane, is the first female from Africa to win a credible world title, the IBF junior welterweight belt, before adding the WBF strap in the same weight class.She now reigns supreme as that organisation's junior middleweight holder and is Africa's first three-times female world champion in two weight classes.Tenge's fight will headline an all-female tournament by female promoters Zandile Malinga and Hardy Mileham.Budler is the WBA super flyweight and IBO mini-flyweight title holder.The Super status was created in 2009 for world champions who hold the titles of two or more organisations that are recognised by the WBA, such as the WBC, IBF and WBO.His status was elevated by the WBA championship committee in January after a plea from promoter Rodney Berman.Budler has also previously held the IBO junior-flyweight belt.The boxer's IBO crown will be on the line for the ninth time.Their fight will top a four-bout card dubbed Supercharged by promoter Rodney Berman. Budler, trained by Colin Nathan, will be involved in his 17th world title fight."Byron is a good fighter, but Hekkie is the best and that will separate the two," Nathan said.Budler is widely acknowledged as the best mini-flyweight in the world.WBA Pan African welterweight champion Paul Kamanga will defend against Russian Roman Balaev, while Grant Fourie will defend his South African junior welterweight title against Warren Joubert. Prospect Joshua Studdard will take on Khotla Morapedi in a four-rounder.Tenge's fight will be televised live by SABC2 at 10pm, while Budler's bout is scheduled for SuperSport 210 at 7.30pm...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.