JOHANNESBURG – The No1-rated Renson Hobyani from Limpopo will clash with Johannesburg's No 2-ranked Rowan Campbell at Emperors Palace for the vacant South African super-middleweight title on Friday night.
Campbell, 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 sparring with the world-class Malawian Isaac Chilemba at the Smith Gym in Cedar Square at Fourways, Sandton, and from reports 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 faces a tough fight against the rugged Hobyani who more experience in a five-year pro career.
The only two losses in his career came against Walter Kautondokwa and Patrick Mukala.
However, after these setbacks, he has returned with good wins in 2017 over Fiston Kabamba and Christian Okeke.
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.
On the same bill, Wade Groth and Wynand Mulder meet in a bout billed as an 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 No 1 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 split decision win and against Andile Mtungwa he won on a majority decision.
The No 2 contender Mulder has had a rather in-and-out career since making his pro debut in May 2010.
The box-and-dine tournament is presented by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions in conjunction with African Ring.