Budler Destroys Verachelli, Oosthuizen Edges Maderna

Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa -  Hekkie Budler (24-1, 7KOs) comes through in his third defense of the year, demolishing Hugo Hernan Verchelli (11-2, 6KOs) in four rounds to retain the IBO minimumweight title and picks up the WBA's interim-strap. Budler dropped Verachelli hard in the fourth round. He beat the count, but he was battered down with punches for a second knockdown. Budler went for the kill and dropped him for a third time, which at that point the referee waved off the contest.

It was Budler's third defense of the year. He won a strong decision over Renan Trongco in February and then picked up a split nod over former champion Nkosinathi Joyi in June.

Thomas Oosthuizen (22-0-2, 13KOs), who struggled with making weight on Friday afternoon, won a twelve round majority decision over Ezequiel Osvaldo Maderna (20-2, 13KOs) to retain the IBO super middleweight crown. The scores were 116-112, 117-111 and 114-114. It was Oosthuizen's first ring appearance since going to a controversial ten round majority draw with Brandon Gonzales is June. 

There were anxious moments for the champion’s supporters. Oosthuizen’s slide from popular action hero to disappointing non-deliverer seemed to continue as the challenger from Argentina beat him to the punch time and again.

Maderna, not the most dangerous puncher in the division, rocked Oosthuizen with a right to the jaw in the third round and kept his focus even after being forced on the back foot in the next two rounds.

A series of straight punches in the sixth round opened a cut high on the side of Oosthuizen’s nose and it kept bleeding for the rest of the bout.

Oosthuizen did not look as well conditioned as he used to do when he thrilled the crowds with his aggressive style. He struggled to take control and to retain his focus.