IBO praised for role in helping Hekkie Budler become unified two-weight world champion

[Ruthless-RKO]

Hekkie Budler still treasures the IBO belt he won in his first championship fight in 2010.

It set him on the path to glory and although he later moved up a division and subsequently lost the championship, it always represented his first major honour.

The past weekend he scored a magnificent win over WBA and IBF light-flyweight champion Ryoichi Taguchi, earning The Ring magazine belt in the process, and IBO president Ed Levine had a warm glow when he learned of the result.

“I’m very happy for him and proud that the IBO gave him the stage,” he wrote Rodney Berman.

Berman was delighted, not least because it was the IBO who first gave Budler an opportunity when his credentials weren’t iron-clad.

Hekkie Budler celebrates as IBO champion, here with wife Roxy. Pic: Yolanda van der Stoep

“Much like GGG, Hekkie wouldn’t be where he is today without the IBO,” said Berman, who has forged a strong association with the US-based organisation.

Others who have worn the IBO belt with pride include Lennox Lewis, Anthony Joshua, Tommy Hearns, Floyd Mayweather jnr and Vic Darchinyan.

Although it is financially prohibitive for South Africans to engage in fights under the banner of the other organisations, the IBO’s structure is sympathetic to emerging markets, which is why so many SA boxers have had success with the Florida-based world body.

While it has its detractors, the IBO has, unlike others, been dignified and scandal-free since its birth exactly 30 years ago. It also cannot manipulate its ratings, a favourite parlour game of some, as it uses independent objective computerised rankings.

“Frankly, it’s only ever been a pleasure working with the IBO,” said Berman. “We’ve had a few arm-wrestles down the years, but it’s never been less than cordial. The IBO has been a huge boon to local boxing.”

[DA1]

The IBO has a huge presence in Africa, more than any other organization. The WBC is probably a distant second (albeit largely pointless, as winning their regional doesn't seem to help them climb the rankings for a world TS). The WBA and WBO barely there, and the IBF almost non-existent.

A lot of IBO champs from Africa could hang with the big boys if given the chance, I'd much rather see that than random African cans the IBF and WBO seem to make their contenders to fight Arum's guys lately.

[Boxing Prospect]

The IBO has a huge presence in Africa, more than any other organization. The WBC is probably a distant second (albeit largely pointless, as winning their regional doesn't seem to help them climb the rankings for a world TS). The WBA and WBO barely there, and the IBF almost non-existent.

A lot of IBO champs from Africa could hang with the big boys if given the chance, I'd much rather see that than random African cans the IBF and WBO seem to make their contenders to fight Arum's guys lately.

Been a fair few notable fights for IBF titles invovling South Africans. The likes of Malcolm Klassen, Cassius Baloyi, Mzonke Fans, Moruti Mthlane,

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBO are okay there too. With their WBO African belt.

[Best Coast]

The IBO has a huge presence in Africa, more than any other organization. The WBC is probably a distant second (albeit largely pointless, as winning their regional doesn't seem to help them climb the rankings for a world TS). The WBA and WBO barely there, and the IBF almost non-existent.

A lot of IBO champs from Africa could hang with the big boys if given the chance, I'd much rather see that than random African cans the IBF and WBO seem to make their contenders to fight Arum's guys lately.

That makes the IBO pretty much a regional belt. It sure doesnt get much respect globally. The best fighter from Africa recently has been Isaac Dogboe and he's never seen fit to bother with the IBO.

[DA1]

The IBO has a huge presence in Africa, more than any other organization. The WBC is probably a distant second (albeit largely pointless, as winning their regional doesn't seem to help them climb the rankings for a world TS). The WBA and WBO barely there, and the IBF almost non-existent.

A lot of IBO champs from Africa could hang with the big boys if given the chance, I'd much rather see that than random African cans the IBF and WBO seem to make their contenders to fight Arum's guys lately.

Been a fair few notable fights for IBF titles invovling South Africans. The likes of Malcolm Klassen, Cassius Baloyi, Mzonke Fans, Moruti Mthlane,

If you actually check Boxrec to see how many title fights the IBF has had inside the African continent, its extremely few. South Africa has a huge boxing scene, so naturally they will have title fights involving those guys, but they all have IBO fights under their belt as well (except Mozonke).

[DA1]

That makes the IBO pretty much a regional belt. It sure doesnt get much respect globally. The best fighter from Africa recently has been Isaac Dogboe and he's never seen fit to bother with the IBO.

He was brought in to lose just like Habib Ahmed, fortunately he got the upset.

I'll let GGG know he holds an African regional belt. IBO promotes the sport of boxing in Africa, which is good for boxing and African boxers. Differen't bodies have strong bases in different parts of the world, and IBO should be commended for its role in promoting the sport in that overlooked part of the world.

IBO doesn't get respect globally, because they're not in bed with a Warren or Sky Sports to promote it as a world title, like the WBO was throughout the 90s/early-2000s. Nor does it give it out free titles to established champions, like the IBF did. Otherwise, everyone would be calling it a major "world" title as well because the promoters told them to. IBO was never in bed with promoters like the WBO or other bodies, which is why I commend them for conducting themselves professionally.

[jamamb]

tete has a case too for the best from africa recently. although he didnt fight for it either

[Best Coast]

That makes the IBO pretty much a regional belt. It sure doesnt get much respect globally. The best fighter from Africa recently has been Isaac Dogboe and he's never seen fit to bother with the IBO.

He was brought in to lose just like Habib Ahmed, fortunately he got the upset.

I'll let GGG know he holds an African regional belt. IBO promotes the sport of boxing in Africa, which is good for boxing and African boxers. Differen't bodies have strong bases in different parts of the world, and IBO should be commended for its role in promoting the sport in that overlooked part of the world.

IBO doesn't get respect globally, because they're not in bed with a Warren or Sky Sports to promote it as a world title, like the WBO was throughout the 90s/early-2000s. Nor does it give it out free titles to established champions, like the IBF did. Otherwise, everyone would be calling it a major "world" title as well because the promoters told them to. IBO was never in bed with promoters like the WBO or other bodies, which is why I commend them for conducting themselves professionally.

Sorry amigo, Dogboe was NOT a designated loser like Habib Ahmed. Arum just failed to do his homework on the Ghanaian. Dogboe was a 2012 Olympian with a solid pro resume for an African fighter (recent wins over 2-time world title challenger Javier Chacon and Argentine champ Julian Aristule). He was a live underdog at +185 and numerous scribes picked him to upset Magdaleno:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brianmaziq ... 446051223e

The odds have evened a bit with Magdaleno now at minus-225 and Dogboe is now a live plus-185 underdog that bettors could cash in on.

He possesses excellent power and he changes levels with his punches with crisp head-to-body combinations. Dogboe is patient and his left hook is probably his best punch. He gets great torque on it with his stockier build and he can put Magdaleno in peril if he lands it on his chin. Magdaleno is the better mover, but I don't think he can withstand the pressure and precision power shots on the inside from Dogboe.

This has all the makings of a great fight with two contrasting styles and it's one I see the challenger and underdog winning.

Dogboe puts his opponents on their heels and invests in his body punching. He'll dethrone Magdaleno via late TKO.