Almacen to fight Budler for WBC silver Int’l light flyweight title

By LITO DELOS REYES

DAVAO CITY – Former WBC Asian Boxing Council Silver minimumweight champion Jonathan “Pretty Boy” Almacen of Muntinlupa will fight against former world champion Hekkie “The Hexecutioner” Budler of South Africa for the WBC Silver International light flyweight title on May 22 at the Booyens Gym in South Africa.

The 21-year-old Almacen (7W-3L-2D, 2KOs), who stayed in Manila last April 25 will leave the country together with Coach Joma “Koizumi” Gamboa, former WBA World minimumweight titleholder.

“Di ko pa po alam po kay boss Brico Santig po. Nag aayos pa po visa namin (I still don’t know boss Brico Santig. We are still arranging visas)”, said Almacen.

Santig is the owner of the Highland Boxing Promotion.

It has a gym in Manila where Almacen and Gamboa are presently staying.

Almacen is currently weighed at 117 lbs. and three times had sparring with 12-rounds.

“Mga six-rounder pa lang po. Nag uwian po yung ibang mga boxer sa kanila dahil sa COVID po (It’s only about six rounders. The other boxers went home to them because of COVID)” said Almacen.

“Pero ready na ready na po (But it’s already ready)”, said Almacen.

Almacen beat Xiang Li of China by a unanimous decision to win the vacant WBC Asian Boxing Council silver minimumweight title last Nov. 18, 2018, in Pasay City.

“Sana suportahan nila ako sa aking darating na laban at ipag dasal. Gagawin ko ang lahat para maipanalo ang laban ko na ito (I hope they will support me in my coming fight and pray. I will do everything to win this fight of mine)”, said Almacen.

Budler (32W-4L-0D, 10KOs), on the other hand, lost his WBA Super world light flyweight title to Hiroto Kyoguchi of Japan by a TKO in the 10th round last Dec. 31, 2018, in Macao.

It is promoted by Uppercut Promotions.