REIGNING South African bantamweight king, Simpiwe "V12" Vetyeka could be the next dominant international bantamweight fighter from Africa, says promoter Rodney Berman.

REIGNING South African bantamweight king, Simpiwe "V12" Vetyeka could be the next dominant international bantamweight fighter from Africa, says promoter Rodney Berman.

"Vetyeka could follow in the footsteps of other great local bantamweight world champions such as Vic Toweel, Arnold Taylor and Mbulelo Botile," said Berman yesterday.

Vetyeka is originally from Duncan Village in the boxing crazy Eastern Cape.

This talented 27-year-old fighter will oppose the Philippine's Eric Barcelona for the IBO vacant belt on July 11. That fight will be presented by Berman at Emperors Palace.

This will be Vetyeka's first fight under new trainer Welcome Ncita since he dumped Nick Durandt early this year.

Barcelona, who failed to end the reign of Silence Mabuza as the IBO holder in Brakpan in 2002, could overwhelm Vetyeka with his experience.