Vetyeka beats Barcelona for vacant bantam title

JOHANNESBURG (AP)—Simphiwe Vetyeka of South Africa won the vacant IBO bantamweight title, beating Eric Barcelona of the Philippines by unanimous decision Saturday.

Vetyeka (21-1) had an advantage in weight, height and reach, and won on all the judges’ cards at Emperor’s Palace: 118-114, 118-110 and 117-111 at Emperor’s Palace. Barcelona fell to 48-16-1.

Both fighters overcame a slippery ring as they tumbled along with Puerto Rican referee Roberto Ramirez at times.

Earlier, South African-born Lovemore N’dou (47-11-1) of Australia won the vacant IBO welterweight title at 37 against Phillip N’dou—no relation—by unanimous decision. It was only the second fight in five years for Phillip N’dou (32-4).