Hekkie Budler and Martin Murray are fighting fit ahead of next month’s big showdowns in Monte Carlo.
The pair were on hand for a Golden Gloves media open day at the HotBox gym, which was flooded by media and members of the public.
Budler defends his WBA and IBO titles against number one contender Jesus Silvestre and Murray challenges middleweight king Gennady Golovkin for the WBA and IBO belts.
Murray isn’t fazed by the formidable challenge that awaits him, even talking up Golovkin’s virtues. He sees a man who can be beaten.
“It’s a tough fight, I’m under no illusions. Golovkin is a punching power machine, but I have the tools to beat him. I expect it will be tough and I’ll need to go through pain, but I’m prepared for that, whatever it takes.”
Having spent the past three weeks training in South Africa, Murray is satisfied that he is leaving nothing to chance. He trains three times daily in the summer heat, pushing himself beyond normal limits.
“It’s about getting to the 21st and having no regrets. I’m doing everything to be in the best possible condition. I’m gonna do it. A lot of things brought me to this world title. I’m doing it for myself, for my family. When I signed with Golden Gloves, this was the end deal: a massive fight. I’m coming off some good wins and I feel I’m ready.
“Golovkin has two hands like me, but he’s not unbeatable. I’m certainly not going to get into the ring fearing him. Never.”
Murray has been using former welterweight title challenger Harold Volbrecht’s gym on the eastern side of Joburg. Volbrecht likes what he sees.
“Martin is very underrated. It’s good to go in as the underdog. He’s the consummate pro and will leave nothing to chance. I don’t rate Golovkin technically, but he’s very strong. A lot of people may be in for a surprise come February 21.”
Budler, meanwhile, is expecting a tough shootout against his Mexican opponent on the undercard.
“I’ve watched his tapes. He’s very strong, always fit, works hard. But we’ve got a gameplan that will work beautifully.”
Manager-trainer Colin Nathan expects that Silvestre will get great encouragement from Budler’s last performance, which saw him dumped on his backside early in the fight via a crushing left hook.
“Silvestre has a great left hook, but we’re working out a strategy to stay away from it. The difference is Hekkie is smarter, slicker and smoother.”
