Rodney Berman has called BS on newly-crowned WBO minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama.
The SA promoter has been led a merry dance by the Japanese fighter, whose management has long wooed him for a fight against Hekkie Budler. Budler is the former holder of the WBA and IBO titles.
“They pestered me for months to put the fight together, contingent on their man winning,” explained Berman.
And this is what happened as Takayama recently beat Riku Kano for the title. But the Japanese hotline has suddenly turned cold.
“I’ve emailed them, tried to call . . . nothing,” despaired Berman. “Frankly, I believe it’s all hot air. These guys obviously weren’t serious. It’s too bad. It could have been a decent fight. He’s obviously chicken.”
For now, Budler’s attention is focused on beating Siyabonga Siyo at Emperors Palace next month. It’s not quite a crossroads fight for Budler, but it’s very much a means to re-start his career after his upset defeat to Byron Rojas earlier this year. Reports are that he is looking outstanding in fight camp.
