Campbell has the Weir spirit

Charlie Weir will go down as one of the most charismatic boxers ever produced in this country.

Although the “Silver Assassin” never won a world title, his popularity and charismatic persona transcended the barriers, leading to packed venues for his fights.

Golden Gloves Promotions boss Rodney Berman is confident he has unearthed another Weir in Rowan Campbell (above), who he will unleash in his tournament at Emperors Palace tonight.

While he still boasts a modest fight record of six bouts in as many wins, Campbell is tipped to go far and even emulate the late, great Silver Assassin.

“This boy carries Weir’s charisma,” Berman said.

“It may be too early to tell but I have an eye for these attributes and believe me when I say it, this boy has special talent.”

Berman’s observation will be put to the test when Campbell takes on Malkhaz Sijashvilli of Georgia for the vacant IBO youth super-middleweight title.

The “Bombs Away” show is topped by Thulani Mbenge vying for the IBO welterweight crown against dangerous Argentinian Diego Chavez. and Thabiso Mchunu fighting Latvian Ricards Bolotniks in an international cruiserweight clash.

Both Campbell and Mchunu have fights scheduled on September 1 if they win tonight.

Mchunu will face Thomas Oosthuizen, while Campbell will be steered towards the vacant SA super-middleweight title.

The bill also sees Wade Groth tackling Andile Mntungwa in a middleweight scrap while former amateur star Jay Ja Sonjica will continue his transition to the paid ranks against Tumelo Matsane in a junior-featherweight showdown. – Own Correspondent