By Mark Vester

In a very close battle at the Emperors Palace in South Africa, Hekkie Budler (16-0, 5KOs) won a twelve round split decision over Juanito Rubillar (48-15, 23KOs) to retain his IBO junior flyweight title. The scores were 115-113 and 116-111 for Budler and 114-113 for Rubillar on the third card. The fight was a rematch of their controversial bout from February, which Budler won with a close majority decision.

Both fighters had their moments in the contest. After several warnings, Rubillar lost a point in the sixth round for a low blow. Rubillar started strong and did a lot of work to the body, but he also strayed low with a few punches. Budler suffered a cut above his right eye from a clash of heads. 

By the eight round, Rubillar was being warned about a possible disqualification for low blows. He stayed away from the body and the momentum of the fight began to change. Budler had to rally in the final three rounds to win the fight on the cards.

On the undercard, Gideon Buthelezi (10-2, 4 KOs) won the vacant IBO strawweight title with a twelve round decision over Ronelle Ferreras (8-4-1, 3KOs). All three judges saw it 117-113.

Isaac Chilembe (15-1, 5KOs) won a decision over Michael Bolling (12-1, 10KOs) with a twelve round unanimous decision to win the vacant IBO super middleweight title. The scores were 119-109, 119-109 and 119-108.