by Francisco Salazar

Seven months after losing his world title bout, Hekkie Budler returns to the ring Saturday night.

Budler will face Siyabongo Siyo in a 10 round bout at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park, South Africa.

Also fighting on the Golden Gloves Promotions card will be fringe welterweight contender Chris Van Heerden, who will be fighting in South Africa for the first time in over three and a half years.

Budler (29-2, nine knockouts), who resides in nearby Johannesburg, lost a close 12 round unanimous decision to Bryon Rojas of Nicaragua in his last bout on Mar. 19.

The 28-year-old Budler lost his WBA minimumweight title to Rojas and had his 12-bout winning streak snapped.

Despite the loss, Budler is still considered as one of the best fighters in the 105-pound division. He is ranked amongst the top 10 in two of the major sanctioning bodies.

Siyo (10-1, 4 KOs) lost for the first time as a pro in his last bout on June 11, losing a 12 round unanimous decision to former world title challenger Simpohiwe Khonco.

In a battle of southpaw welterweights, Chris Van Heerden squares off against Sacky Shikukutu in a 10 round bout.

Van Heerden (24-2-1, 12 KOs) won a 10 round majority decision over Steve Claggett on Apr. 16. In his previous bout, Van Heerden, who now resides in the Los Angeles suburb of Santa Monica, was stopped in the eighth round at the hands of unbeaten Errol Spence.

Van Heerden has sparred the likes of Manny Pacquiao and Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez.

Shikukutu (22-3-1, 13 KOs), who will be fighting outside of Namibia for the first time as a pro, has won four straight bouts.

Cruiserweight Kevin Lerena (15-1, 8 KOs) will face unbeaten Micky Nielsen (22-0, 14 KOs) in a 10 round bout to determine the winner of the ‘Super 4’ tournament.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.som since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper, and Knockout Nation. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing