Rubillar thwarted in rematch

MANILA, Philippines - Hard-luck challenger Juanito Rubillar lost a controversial split 12-round decision to IBO lightflyweight champion Hekkie Budler in his sixth failed attempt to win a world title at the Emperor’s Palace, Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa last Saturday night.

Rubillar, 33, was docked a point by South African referee Andile Matika for a low blow in the sixth round but it didn’t matter in two of the three judges’ scorecards. Budler, 22, gained the nod of two judges, Briton Reg Thompson and South Africa’s Terrance Makaluza, 115-113 and 116-111, so even without the point deduction from Rubillar, it wouldn’t have made a difference. The other judge, American Mike Fitzgerald, saw it for Rubillar, 114-113, despite the penalty.

An early report said American Tommy Kimmons would be the referee. Matika was the third man in the ring when Budler decisioned Doctor Ntsele for the IBO All-Africa lightflyweight crown last September. He was also the referee in Zolani Tete’s first round knockout win over Filipino Rexon Flores in East London last year.

It was not known why the IBO replaced Kimmons with Matika who is Budler’s countryman.

Last February, Budler beat Rubillar on a majority 12-round decision for the vacant IBO 108-pound belt in the same venue. American Pete Podgorski was the referee. The judges were all South Africans – Lulama Mtya had it 117-113 and Deon Dwarte, 115-113, both for Budler while Isaac Tshabalala, 114-all. Boxing News writer Pete Moscardi said the title “was handed to (Budler) on a plate” and commented that “it was a sad day for South African boxing” because of the hometown decision that robbed Rubillar of a win he deserved.

But in the rematch, the outcome stunk just the same despite the IBO’s promise of fair treatment.

“At times, it seemed as if Budler was getting mugged as the challenger went in head first and with both fists banging away at the champion’s rib cage,” wrote SuperSport, the leading South African sports provider, in its website. “Halfway through the fight, there were indications that Budler was losing the battle to keep the visitor at a distance. If the idea was for Rubillar to soften up the champion with body shots, it was certainly working. With his right eye bleeding, probably from a clash of heads, Budler went out in the last three rounds as the bout turned into a brawl. He got the split decision that enabled him to retain his belt but it was a fight he will never forget.”

Rubillar didn’t waste any time in pressing his attack. From the onset, he went for the body and never let up. Matika kept interrupting Rubillar’s assault to warn him of low blows. Twice, Budler was given time to recover from what Matika ruled were low blows. Budler complained of being butted and Matika also warned Rubillar to watch his head.

“Juanito dominated almost all the rounds,” said Rubillar’s manager Bebot Elorde who worked the fighter’s corner with trainer Archer Villamor. “We are very disappointed, especially Juanito, but he’s okay.”

Rubillar arrived in Manila yesterday afternoon.

Elorde said Budler was badly hurt in the body. “They had to make low blows an excuse so he could rest,” he went on. “We still don’t know if we’ll protest. We’ll have to talk about it.”

Rubillar had previously lost in five bids for a world title – to Zolani Petelo for the IBF minimumweight championship in 1999, Jorge Arce for the WBC lightflyweight crown in 2004, Edgar Sosa for the WBC lightflyweight belt in 2005, Giovanni Segura for the WBA lightflyweight throne last year and Budler last February. His record is now 48-15-7, with 23 KOs. Budler improved to 16-0, with five KOs.

SuperSport said Budler turned to “desperation measures” to keep Rubillar away and Matika gave the Filipino a final warning in the eighth round, causing a break in his momentum.

In the undercard, Filipino Ronelle Ferreras was as unfortunate as Rubillar in losing a unanimous 12-round decision to hometowner Gideon Buthelezi for the vacant IBO minimumweight crown. The judges turned in identical scorecards of 117-113.

SuperSport called it “a clash between two novices rather than a fight for a title” and mentioned that the IBO sanctioned the bout although Buthelezi is ranked No. 21 and Ferreras, No. 44.

“Ferreras, much like Rubillar, went after his opponent’s body,” said SuperSport. “Buthelezi got on his bicycle in the first round and won the title by backpedaling and counter-punching for 12 rounds. Both started as southpaws but the South African did his best fighting when he switched to orthodox and pegged the visitor back with straight rights down the middle.”

The loss dropped Ferreras’ record to 8-4-1, with three KOs, while Buthelezi raised his mark to 10-2, with four KOs.