Golden Gloves

Tommy Oosthuizen, by virtue of his paralysing knockout victory over SA super middleweight champion Tshepang Mohale on the weekend, has underlined his undeniable potential as the next major drawcard in South African boxing! So says Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman. “It’s a given fact. This kid is the bona fide article; power, finesse, durability and speed!” said Berman, after his 22-year-old fighter won his third title in 2009. “Look, Tommy has already lifted the IBO Youth light heavyweight and IBO Youth super middleweight titles and Saturday night’s victory, which was for the prestigious WBA Pan African super middleweight crown, enhances my belief that he is one of this country’s most exciting fighters since the days of Charlie Weir” said Berman.

Indeed there are numerous experts who agree with the CEO of Golden GLoves, among them former two-time world champion Brian Mitchell. A two-time Hall of Famer, Mitchell, who only recently returned from the United States, was literally awed by the leather-encased missle in Oosthuizen’s left hand. “When he threw that punch (a straight left) and it landed, I knew there was no way Mohale was going to get up” said Mitchell. “Man, this guy can really hit, and whatsmore, he can take it as seen when Mohale landed some big shots of his own”.

Berman though believes that Oosthuizen’s hitherto resume (10-0, 8 knockouts) doesn’t aptly illustrate the potential of the bean-pole puncher from Van Dyk park, Boksburg.

“Punchers are born, it’s true, and Oosthuizen is one of the most dangerous southpaw swatters in the world, and now I’m talking about his prowess as a pound-for-pound puncher”added Berman. “Inevitably the public love to watch a puncher, and when that fighter also has fine boxing skills, as Tommy does, you’ve got a box-office magnet on your books. Thankfully, Tommy is a pretty modest kid and his achievements thus far haven’t gone to his head. As such he’ll be the fighter who brings back the crowds to boxing”.

Fellow promoter Jeff Ellis concurs, saying; “Be honest, when last did you hear of a 22-year-old fighter winning three titles after only 10 fights? The kid is a goldmine on legs, it’s really that simple and he’s being coached by the finest trainer in the country, Harold Volbrecht, which gives him a jump start from the outset”.

Former SA super middleweight champion Andre Thysse failed to hide his enthusiasm after Oosthuizen had flattened the highly respected Mohale in the fourth round of their championship fight. “It took Tommy three rounds to warm up and only 48 seconds of the fourth round to end it. Like I’ve been saying all along, this guy will conquer the world!”