Clash for vacant SA title at Emperors Palace

By Ron Jackson

Rowan Campbell of Johannesburg and Renson Hobyani from the Limpopo Province will top the bill at Emperors Palace near Kempton Park in a clash for the vacant South African super-middleweight title on Friday night.

Hobyani is rated at #1 and Campbell at #2.Campbell 7-0, 6 KOs, who made his pro debut in December 2016 has no amateur experience and is a comparative novice as a professional.

However, he has had many rounds of sparring with the world class Malawian Isaac Chilemba at the Smith Gym in Cedar Square at Fourways, Sandton, and from reports has held his own.

He has only been taken the distance once and that was a six round points win over Jackson Masamba in December 2017.

However, he possibly has a tough fight against the rugged Hobyani who has a bit more experience in a five year pro career.

The only two losses in his career came against Walter Kautondokwa (tko 3) and Patrick Mukala (tko 5).

However, after these setbacks, he has come back with good wins in 2017 over Fiston Kabamba (pts 6) and Christian Okeke (tko 1).

Campbell who started out as a light-heavyweight is a busy fighter who works away looking for openings as he wears his opponent down.

However, he is not a big puncher and neither is Hobyani in a fight that will possibly go to a close 12 round points decision.

GROTH AND MULDER MEET FOR VACANT TITLE

On the same bill, Wade Groth (6-0, 4 KOs) and Wynand Mulder (4-5-1, 4 KOs) meet in a bout billed for the interim South African middleweight title. However, there is no provision for an interim title in the South African Boxing Act.

The current South African middleweight champion Barend van Rooyen is under suspension for an alleged use of an illegal substance and is appealing the findings.

Groth who is listed at number one in the most recent Boxing SA ratings made his pro debut in April 2017 winning his first four fights inside the distance, but was extended in his last two fights by Dido Mukanya with a spit decision win and against Andile Mtungwa he won on majority decision.

The number two contender Mulder 4-5-1; 4 has had a rather in and out career since making his pro debut in May 2010.

He has only scored one victory in his last six fights and is fortunate to get a crack at the South African title.

The box-and-dine tournament is presented by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions in conjunction with African Ring.