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Top team Tommy Oosthuizen and trainer Harold Volbrecht
In his first foray overseas, Tommy Oosthuizen produced the best performance of his short career to dominate Aaron Pryor jnr in Biloxi, Mississippi on Saturday night.
Defending his IBO super-middleweight title, “Tommy Gun” was seldom troubled as he won eight rounds to four, all three judges turning in identical cards of 117-111.
After his last fight, an indifferent points win against William Gare, Oosthuizen knew he was under pressure to deliver. And deliver he did, closing down Pryor’s reach and beating him to the punch with his superior speed.
Pryor’s 10cm reach advantage counted for nothing and Oosthuizen’s powerful right hand found its mark in every round. Pryor loaded up a couple of right hands of his own, but Oosthuizen’s durability and fitness allowed him to ride out the storm.
It was an enthralling fight with Oosthuizen the aggressor and Pryor the counter-puncher. The South African pressed the action hard and although the pace of the fight dipped after the sixth round, it was nonetheless enthralling as both fighters dug deep.
Promoter Rodney Berman, who was ringside, was delighted: “We have a superstar in the making. Tommy has made a real impression.”
Indeed, late in the fight US promoter Lou Di Bella, who invited Oosthuizen to the US, tweeted his impressions. “Oosthuizen bloodied swollen and winning. Terrific prospect at 22. Terrific fight and Pryor fighting with passion . . . Tommy squares up a little less and he’s a beast.”
Oosthuizen started fast and furious, establishing his rhythm early. His blinding speed allows him to fight with his hands dangerously low, but Pryor capitalised and often landed over the top.
Inevitably, cornerman Harold Volbrecht implored Oosthuizen to keep his hands up. Pryor did little bar throw the right hand, probably because it was a tactic that worked well, but he was foolish not to utilise his reach better. It allowed Oosthuizen to connect with his right and his punches were both harder and more frequent.
By the ninth, Pryor’s corner, which included legendary former lightweight champion Aaron Pryor snr, were frantic. They urged him to pick up the pace, which he did, but by now Oosthuizen’s body attack was bearing fruit.
With Pryor bleeding and slowing and in no mood to mix it, Oosthuizen coasted through the final two rounds on his way to an outstanding win.
September 04, 2011 at 5:41 pm, Pierre said:
Well done Tommy! 117-111 is nine rounds to three, and not eight rounds to four as stated above.
September 04, 2011 at 7:17 pm, dilo said:
Great stuff. He proved that he now deserves to move up in class and challenge for a real world title. He could have gone for the ko, but being his 1st fight abroad, he did the right thing goin for the points win.
September 04, 2011 at 8:51 pm, dilo said:
Oosthuizen vs Sakio Bika next. Would be a step up in the right direction. I am sure we can get him to fight in SA. Another 4 or 5 wins, then Froch, Kessler, Ward etc. Mega fights
September 05, 2011 at 8:24 am, Fan of the Gun said:
Well done my friend, well done !!!!
You did great !
September 05, 2011 at 10:40 am, Simon said:
Well done to Tommy
September 05, 2011 at 10:41 am, Pierre said:
Yup, very good performance indeed. Tommy’s boxing skills and his repertoire of punches has improved considerably. Tommy must not rest on his laurels now, but rather keep working hard to improve his defence and combinations!
September 05, 2011 at 12:35 pm, Adam said:
Very proud of Tommy, he did an excellent job!
September 05, 2011 at 12:36 pm, Tanya said:
Great fight Tommy, you made sure he knew the Tommy Gun was blasting him from all sides!
September 05, 2011 at 1:42 pm, BOXMAN said:
A good performance by Tommy, im just concerned about his defence. He still carries his hands to low. Against a better quality of opposition his going to get into alot of trouble.
September 05, 2011 at 4:44 pm, pete moscardi said:
Nice one, Tommy – you took care of business. But that cut over your right eye looked really ugly. Is this the same cut that forced you to pull out of your fight with Michael Bolling?? I hope it is not going to always be a factor each time you fight.Pryor fought the fight I expected him to – in other words you had to chase while he was on the back foot and counter punching. Not the easiest type of opponent to look good against. I hope Rodney sorts out a “come-forward fighter” for you next time out – someone like that world rated Mexican you KOd at Emperors as you looked a million dollars against that guy.
September 06, 2011 at 4:38 pm, Pierre said:
> Evert Bravo is Colombian, Pete.
September 05, 2011 at 5:37 pm, Lorette said:
Well done Tommy. You have made SA proud. I agree with Boxman, got a bit worried about Tommy not keeping his face covered and dropping his hands throughout most of the rounds. Wish the media would make more of a fuss.
September 05, 2011 at 6:40 pm, Mmbudzeni Dali said:
Well done Tommy,big up for Rodney and the rest of the team that made Tommy shines abroad.This is good for SA boxers,I hope other boxers are learning from you Tommy.All the best for your future in the ring.
September 05, 2011 at 7:05 pm, Jono said:
Well done Tommy
You made South Africa proud and opened the way for the rest of SA’s top young boxers.
Please just keep working hard in the gym and you will have a new belt soon.
September 06, 2011 at 11:36 am, Seka said:
Was the Oosthuizen-Pryor fight televised on Supersport?
September 06, 2011 at 2:11 pm, Fan of the Gun said:
@ Seka, yes it was … On Sunday morning at 03h20am. Think it was broadcast later during Sunday afternoon again.
September 07, 2011 at 5:18 pm, BLITZZKRIEG said:
Ek het die fight gemis op tv :/ het iemand nie dalk vir my n link vir die video nie?
September 08, 2011 at 6:53 pm, dilo said:
Video of the fight is on youtube