The best yet, says Berman

Boxing promoter Rodney Berman becomes agitated when naysayers refer to boxing’s former glory days. “What glory days?” he asks.

His conviction that the current crop of boxers is among the best was made stronger by the performance of fighters at Emperors Palace last weekend.

Thulani Mbenge (above) produced a flawless display to outwit, outpunch and then knock out decorated Argentinean Diego Chaves in seven rounds to win the IBO world welterweight title.

Despite coming to the fight with 13 bouts compared to Chaves’ 30, Mbenge produced a mature style to outclass the visitor before flooring him twice to end matters.

Before that Thabiso Mchunu also produced the goods when he halted Latvian Ricardis Bolotniks to breathe life to his cruiserweight career. Mchunu will now face Thomas Oosthuizen in a high-stakes bout on September 1.

The most impressive display was that of Rowan Campbell, who boxed like a seasoned campaigner in knocking out Malkhaz Sujashvilli in their super-middleweight bout.

Campbell whose boxing is already drawing comparisons with the great Charlie Weir has never boxed in the amateur ranks where fighters often polish their craft.

The victories left Berman convinced that local boxing could not be in better hands. –