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Rodney Berman, left, has high hopes for Tommy Oosthuizen, while trainer Harold Volbrecht, right, has the job of conditioning the champion
Rodney Berman has issued a stark warning to Tommy Oosthuizen ahead of his fourth title defence early next month.
“Not only must he win, it must be a command performance,” said the fighter’s promoter. “The super-middleweight division is very fluid right now and Tommy must be in the mix. Remember, he also has a fight in the US in April.”
Indeed, the IBO champion is slated to head a Lou Di Bella Shobox bill and it would help enormously were he to do so on the back of a solid win against Serge Yannick.
The March 3 fight at Emperors Palace has already generated big talk in Australia, where Yannick is based, and where his Cameroonian countryman Sakio Bika also made a big name for himself. Yannick represented Cameroon at the 2006 Commonwealth Games as a welterweight and has since amassed a handy 11-1 record.
Oosthuizen, by contrast, is 17-0-1 and has gained broad recognition as one of the division’s top fighters to watch.
“Tommy can’t afford to be cocky,” warned Berman. “I’ve had reports that this guy is very tough and comes to fight. Tommy best be in great shape, which is what I expect anyway. He’s a real pro.”
Berman also confirmed that Chris van Heerden would top the June 6 bill at Emperors Palace that kicks off the Super Eight tournament.
The Super Eight hasn’t been without its challenges, not least dealing with rival camps which aren’t necessarily best representing their boxers.
“We make our announcement in a fortnight,” said Berman. “Watch this space.”
February 08, 2012 at 10:12 am, Fan of the Gun said:
all the best to team Tommy in the final month of preparation. It was nice to see that Yannick camp came to comment on this site.
It sounds like they are coming to win ……. and Thomas need to be at his best .. as always ..
With this win, and then another fight for him in the U.S in April …. I only see bright lights ahead of him then !
BUT …. he should only focus on the task on hand, the task of Yannick !
February 08, 2012 at 10:44 am, dilo said:
Although Yannick is cameroonian as the article states, the Aussies are goin to bill this as an Australia vs SA event in order for them to hav a chance. We all no what happens when we play the aussies at anything, so let’s not get carried away and try for an early stoppage. Boxin bites back when boxers get naïve and carried away. Tommy should be plannin for 12 rounds and should be deciding how to box in order to win on points and not loose. If the ko comes its a bonus. Yes, he is under pressure to get a quick ko win, but what happens when he gets careless and takes a big punch? The entire fight changes. I always worry when boxin team plan 2 or 3 fights into the future. There are many examples of what could happen. Khan planned for Mayweather and lost contrivercialy to peterson. Flo was planin ahead for Hollyfield and got koed by Botha. Many others. Hopefully all goes well and a win comes. Any win. Cheers
February 08, 2012 at 12:03 pm, Britt said:
Don’t think Thomas will have to much trouble with this Aussie.
February 08, 2012 at 12:52 pm, 'chin' said:
Its great news, sa boxers are going some where! And it all thanx to mn berman! Tommy will do good,he is always in the gym and training like a monster every day!
February 08, 2012 at 1:27 pm, Flo Simba fan said:
TOMMY JUST REMEMBER DO YOUR BEST “GOD WILL DO THE REST”
ALL THE BEST FOR YOU
February 08, 2012 at 2:00 pm, Fan of the Gun said:
Good to see you back on the site again Britt ….
February 09, 2012 at 7:18 am, Britt said:
> I’ve been in training at work but hey never forgot my GGP family…and I’m back with bang…
February 08, 2012 at 8:41 pm, marius said:
i just looked at a fight of yannick on youtube. very disappointed that yet again tommy is getting an easy fight when is GGP going to match hime with a real contender just cause a record looks good doesnt mean the fighter is good. isaac’s career is growing cause he is proving himself against real opponents tommy continues to fight nobodies!!! whata pity
February 09, 2012 at 12:23 pm, Britt said:
> Good Day Marius, I watched some fights of this Serge Yannick and rest assure his a perfect opponent for Oosthuizen not sure which fights you were watching. Good match making Golden Gloves
February 09, 2012 at 8:33 am, dilo said:
I heard Tommys trainer, Harold Volbrecht on SAFM yesterday evening. Its great that he came onto that station as most of the Eastern Cape listen to SAFM. I was a bit confused by his comments. He mentioned that Yannick was from Jamaica?Now, its either he is correct or he does not know who his boxers opponent is. Please can he clarify this. He also mentioned that Bute is ducking a fight with Tommy! Can this also be explained as I cannot see how Tommy at this stage of his career could be makin Bute avoid him. Cheers
February 09, 2012 at 11:30 am, C T said:
well done to Thomas for hes achievement on all the opponents he faces ,they are definatly not no bodies come on any guy that climbs into the ring is already a champ ,any guy knowing hes climbing in the ring with a guy like tommy can not be a no body knowing what this guy can do and in saying this ,that goes for any boxer going against another just because some fans wana see tommy fight a guy like Bute doesnt mean any ranking underneath bute is a nobody .I rate with tommies performance in a year or two hell get to compete against Bute we should be happy at this point that Tommy is developing hes skill and maturity in boxing to lead Sa in being the best in that devision .
February 09, 2012 at 1:04 pm, pete moscardi said:
Serge Yannick originates from the Cameroon but, in the same way as Lovemore Ndou, is today a naturalised Aussie (but we won’t hold that against him!).
February 09, 2012 at 3:58 pm, WIAN said:
MARIUS YOU MUST OPEN YOUR EYES,WHO DID ISAACK FIGHT THAT IS GREATE???? AND TOMMY WILL FIGHT ANY BOXER ???? WHO MUST HE fHIGHT???? DILO BUTE DID SAY NO TO A FIGHT WITH TOMMY!!!!
February 10, 2012 at 10:01 am, dilo said:
>He may have said no, but not because he is scared. He has big money fights lined up against more recognisable boxers. If Tommy is 1 day number 1 contender, then nobody can duck him, but currently he is not. Cheers
February 09, 2012 at 10:06 pm, Jordan said:
Hi guys Tommy is Our only South African super midle weight world champion.
We as South Africans should be happy to see him live at the place of dreams on the 3rd March.
Tommy has done so well so fare and keep up the good work.
Any news when Jason Bedeman is fighting?
He is another good young boxer, that is a big puncher that can go far.
February 10, 2012 at 10:06 am, THE IRON said:
Have a look at Yannick’s style, record as a pro and amateur. This guy possesses good boxing fundamentals and throws more than one punch at a time. Marius, i wouldn’t say AT ALL that Tommy has been fighting ‘nobodies.’ Clearly GGP have selected a very worthy opponent. Yannick looks a lot like a Gare or Bravo. Although I believe Yannick is more fundamentally sound. This should make out for a good fight. Good fight on the way up for Tommy. Thanks GGP!
February 10, 2012 at 10:08 am, Fan of the Gun said:
I personally think that Isaac’s fight against Tommy put him on the map, and propelled him to where he is today.
In the fight with Tommy he really stepped up, and to this point, he is stepping up further and further…
Well done to him!!!
February 10, 2012 at 12:04 pm, C T said:
HEY GUYS AND GALS
Well i rate Tommy will take this fight as we believe in him hes skills develop fight after fight ,why argue weather Yannick is good or not he would not be selected to compete if he wasnt a worth while boxer, and im sure yannicks managers and promoter would not let yannick take on tommy if they new there guy was to weak .I mean if you were the manager or promoter would you let your fighter compete knowing hed get hurt or lose what would that say for you as a promoter or manager no one would ever want to allow you to let your boxers compete as you throw anyone in lets think about that .Regarding Bute yes if i was in hes shoes id say no to a fight with Tommy to at this point as Tommy is a major threat in this devision and Bute nos what could be at steak should he lose to Tommy this is not just a sport to these guys this is a living so decisions have to be made with great precaution or it could cost these guys big time .All the best to Tommy and hes team and good luck
February 10, 2012 at 1:54 pm, Johnny said:
> A top fight for Tommy will still be this year C T like you said Tommy is a threat to them should they lose , but sooner or later it will happen ,my prediction still this year
February 10, 2012 at 12:17 pm, Britt said:
All the credit to Isaac, he is a great fighter’ but I got to be honest with you guys’ his got nothing on Thomas, Tommy is in a class of his own at this stage of the ball game, If one really watch the boy move, he’s ring crafting is immaculate, his work rate is constantly high and the combinations go up to 7 punches, not to mention his speed accuracy and also to top it off the guy walks around with a Conon waiting to explode, Methink Bute, Froch and company watch out there’s a new kid on the block and his not here for no candy watch out
February 10, 2012 at 1:37 pm, wian said:
Maruis must tell me who he thinks tommy wil fight???? BecauseI think tommy at the moment can beat bute and even andre direll!!!!
February 10, 2012 at 2:24 pm, Fan of the Gun said:
I dont know Britt ….. I’m sure Tommy will do things alot differently if he should meet Isaac again, but that specific fight, was a hard one for Tommy.
stop worrying about guys like Direll, Froch and Bute, for atleast THIS year … the time will come … Tommy is young, and learns with each of his fights. He will get his chance at the top contenders soon soon soon …
First priority … get past 3 March, then, go and win the hearts of the Americans after that … MAKE them sit up and take notice !!
February 10, 2012 at 2:24 pm, C T said:
Well Johnny it would be fantastic watching Tommy against bute or like Britt Says Froch and bute should watch and study the new kid on the block lets watch and see what happens this boy is going to be next world champ ,wont be an easy ride to the top …….But Tommy has it .Marius is there anyone in SA who you think could give Tommy a run for hes money and this is not a sarcastic question ?In actuel fact could any of you here select a competitor in Sa that could match Tommy at this point in time id like to no whos still coming up in this devision
February 10, 2012 at 2:36 pm, Jono B said:
People let,s come down to earth,Tommy is good but let us not put to much on him all at once.
Andre Ward is the best for a reason, he has payed he’s dews.
Tommy is still young and in good time will be on top.
February 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm, pierre said:
I think Tommy and Isaac have both got what it takes to win real world titles – peace.
February 10, 2012 at 7:08 pm, Dilo said:
Carl Froch has been made mandatory challenger to IBF super-middleweight champion Lucian Bute. So if Tommy keeps winning and gets better fights over the next 24 months, He could force a fight with the top guys by being mandatory challenger. The fight i would like to see is Bute vs Ward…That would be for the undisputed title. Bute is a top fighter.. i think he has 23 KO’s in about 30 fights..thats awesome, so for the guys who say Tommy is ready for Bute, he has a way to go. Bute Koed Miranda in 4 and Miranda gave Chilemba a good 12 rounder..The gap between the top 3 or 4 boxers in this division and the rest is vast… We would all like to see Tommy wining a bonafide world title soon, but please, manage the kid well and do not throw him in the deep end too soon. I think, should Tommy win on March3, a good opponent would be Librado Andrade who has been in with some of the top guys.. he is over 6foot and has huge power, so it would be a good step up..He has failed to win a world title thus far and he might see the IBO title as something that could help his career. Andrade is an example of a boxer who fought journeymen then suddenly wast thrust into a world title fight. He never reached any heights since then. He recently lost to Pryor, who Tommy dominated, so it could be a good name for Tommy to have on his record..cheers
February 11, 2012 at 8:41 pm, Ruben Cinderella Man Groenewald said:
Dont underestimate the African based in Australia. He’s only lost once on points to Michaet Boiling who in turn lost on points to Isaac Chilembe. So this guy might not have a lot of experience but he can fight. He’s short and comes forward. Tommy should win but it will be a good workout for him. Just remember this guy came over to Australia after the Commonwealth games. He stayed behind to follow his dreams so that tell me he’s determined.
February 12, 2012 at 11:16 pm, silver said:
There people go again pushin tomy forward to take big fights the way they did with flo,y can’t ppl just wait,and another thing,I think the issac and tommy fight I think issac gave tommy a boxin lesson no tommy didn’t put issac on the map,issac put tommy on the map.issac won that fight
February 13, 2012 at 7:50 am, C T said:
This will be a great match up ive been watching Bute and Frock and wards fights on utube …Brilliant fighters a match for Tommy amoungst these fighters will be tough and very competitive I rate Tommy could match up with these guys ,how ever in saying this i think Tommy must take hes time with a few more fights and try a few new things in the ring before going forward ..the fight with yannick must be taken seriously so that Bute ward or froch can call Tommy out
February 13, 2012 at 10:29 am, Johnny said:
Come Ruben you battled it out with Charl Froch what is your take on Tommy vs Charl ,I believe Tommy can take him for his got the youth on charl
February 13, 2012 at 12:01 pm, C T said:
Ok Silver again Mr Berman im sure will not throw Tommy into deep waters with out knowing what hes up against ,Tommy will not exept a fight knowing it could do damage to hes Future so should he take on the likes of Bute or Froch dont you think theyve done there homework …..And stating a comment that Isaac put Tommy on the map they are both fantastic boxers in wich ever direction you look at it they both making there own map dont you think as they are both facing evry boxer put in front of them and taking the rankings i think thats a very unfair comment to make on two great class boxers ,should Tommy and Isaac ever face each other again and isaac loses will you be saying that Issac is now Tommies shadow come on…
February 13, 2012 at 4:36 pm, Ruben Cinderella Man Groenewald said:
I fought Carl Froch in 2005. Froch, like Tommy has a very awkward boxing style. He’s not easy to hit and Froch is very smart. He’s a strong puncher. Got knockout power but so has Tommy. Froch is already 33yrs old. I doubt a fight between him and Tommy would happen right now. Froch is coming to the end of his career and might be looking for big paydays. I think a future opponent for Tommy would be the American who beat Froch. Is it Andre Ward? He’s young and he’s the one to watch, or even the Canadian Bute or the light heavy Pascal. I think if Tommy continues to work on his technique then he’ll go far. He’s tall with long arms, he’s very fit. I think the world is his oyster. I met up with Tommy over December at the same holiday resort and I took him on the pads and showed him some valuable techniques which he was very impressed with. Pads is not the alpha and omega of boxing but its ok for a certain suppose. Not many people can hold pads like me. Anyway, I was impressed. Tommy’s got all the moves. I think Tommy right now is South Africa’s best hope on the international stage. He’s only young and can improve another 70%
February 13, 2012 at 11:57 pm, Real Deal Jet said:
We all know what the end result will be, the funny thing is there’s always somebody who says he fights nobodies, I’d like this Marius guy to go to Yannick and tell him he is a nobody or step into the ring whith Oosthuizen both of them will make it look like a joke, these guys are all professional fighters, they don’t train for nothing, Its easy to talk outside the ring but being in that ring is a whole other world, best of luck to Tommy we know he is going to make us proud,
February 14, 2012 at 10:25 am, JO said:
LET THIS MARIUS GUY EVEN TRY TO GET IN THE RING WITH TOMMY’S BOET , CHARLIE , IT WILL ALSO BE A COMIC STRIP
February 14, 2012 at 11:03 am, Dilo said:
> So we can accept that Yannick is a good opponent for Tommy then? So you think Yannick could beat Tommy? If you give the guy no chance of beating Tommy, or you feel that he is not in Tommy’s class, which many of us fans feel, then Marius point is valid, so dont insult the guy. If you can,then you should address the issue with a valid point and not the fan making the comment. Why would any1 want to get in the ring Tommys boet or the president over remarks they make on this site. Thats crazy talk JO. think about it.. Many fans feel that Tommy should be stepping up in class and fighting better opponents. He should be getting in the ring with Boxers who have been in the ring with good fighter and in world title fights, not up and comers who he has nothing to gain by beating, but everything to loose should he suffer a shock loss..cheers
February 14, 2012 at 10:38 am, C T said:
i agree fully there Real Deal Jet the comments that are put out on the site sometimes are rediculous and i say what ever i state here im man enough to say to any fighter who was in the same room with me ,that is how all comments should be made here when stated.Its easy to hide behind your wall state your opinion and who you enjoy dont degrade the guys taking S A to the top and decide on whos good enough for who ,if you are able to justify your comments man up to the fighters you degrade with out hiding behind a wall .Regardless gents wheres all our ehavy weight boxers gone to whats happening with that devision lets get some heavies out there does anyone no of some heavy weights coming up to the pro ring ?
February 14, 2012 at 11:57 am, Fan of the Gun said:
Talking about Charles Oosthuizen. when will we see him in action ?
February 14, 2012 at 4:47 pm, wian said:
Charles will be a greate boxer… Tommy is a better boxer tan his brother, but charles I feel do have more power!!!! It will be great to se him!!!
February 14, 2012 at 5:00 pm, wian said:
The reason a say tommy can beat andre dirrel is first tommy have the boxing sceal to beat him over 4 rounds second I don’t feel andre have the chin to handel tommy’s power and last a do feel tommy have a good chin!!! And if tommy can beat a boxer like andre direll he wil be notice for bigger fights maybe not now with the big boxers like the wards or froch but for maybe in 18 moths to 3 years
February 15, 2012 at 10:37 am, C T said:
Wian id love to see that fight set up i think you are spot on we have all not seen Tommys chin get tested or make him weak yet and hope we never do ,i think what Mr Berman is doing is developing Tommy on these fights so that they get harder and so that Tommy can start feeling what hes up against and as these fights progress so does Tommy in saying this i think by Mr Berman setting the standereds will force these great top guys to wana prove they the best and should Tommy be a threat internationly the whole boxing federation would want these top guys to prove they the best and take on the unbeaten Tommy Oosthuizenn …..
February 15, 2012 at 11:54 am, THE IRON said:
Hi Dilo.
You say many fans might feel “Tommy should be stepping up in class.” What is your view on Tommy’s current record and how he should be managed from here?(I know you believe in building a fighter patiently) My opinion is that GGP at current, are doing the right thing with Tommy. I think it is good management to build a young fighters confidence and experience in a career where the fighter can establish a foundation, like Julio Cesar Chavez jr./Saul Alvarez, provided the fighter has a lifestyle that allows him to be in the game for a long time and improve significantly(Lots of fighters are involved with night clubbing, partying, street fights etc.) therefore some fighters would be better off getting in, doing the best they can, and then getting out of boxing. Depending on the fighters personality..
February 15, 2012 at 12:50 pm, Dilo said:
>Hi. I think that Tommy has done well thus far. I am one who thinks that he should not have been handed this Yannick fight. My reasons are simple. He has nothing to gain by beating Yannick, or am i wrong? Who in world boxing would stand up and say “WOW, Did you see Thomas Oosthuizen has beaten Yannick” . I dont think it would matter much. But can you imagine what would happen should he loose this fight? Thats why i say, he has everything to loose, but very little to gain.. I think Tommy is not ready for the top 3 or 4 guys (ward,bute,froch), but he is definately ready for guys like Andrade, Bika who have been there and done that. If he beats them, people in boxing would definately start asking “who is this new kid who beat Bika”. You no, i think a good fight would be against the british guy George Groves. They are similar age, similar undefeated records and it would gain him recognition should he win..The difference with these young mexican kids (chavez, alverez) is that in Mexico, they are allowed to turn pro at age 16 or somtin, therefore they have little or no amateur experience, so they build them up very slowly against weak opponents, so if you compare a mexican who is the same age as Tommy, you may find that they hav had 40 fights, but if you look closer, you would see that they probably had the same number of 12 round fights or title fights, so their records can be deceptive.. Yes, i would not like to see Tommy rushed into unification fights etc, although i feel ggp and his management are pushing for it because his trainer Volbrecht publicaly stated that Bute etc are ducking Tommy, and i feel this is not good at this stage.. Another 3 fights against lesser oppponents who have been in the ring with Ward, Bute Froch, see how he goes against them before deciding if he is ready as lets be fair, the most talented fighter on Tommys record is probably Isaac who he drew with, mind you, Isaac is proving how good he is. Yes, i am 1 who is against the Mayweather lifestyle in boxing and more a guy who subscribes to the Pacquiao way of life, but hey, everyones different. If you are good enough, you do not have to still be boxing past 35 years of age as you should have proved enough and made enough money by then, thats if you keep a clean and smart lifestyle, so Tommy has another 10 years at least in boxing, why rush him into stardom in 1 year, when he might be unbeatable in 3? cheers
February 16, 2012 at 7:43 am, BOXMAN said:
Dilo, you are one of the few knowlegable guys on this site. I share your views on Tommy. Letting him fight one of the top 3 in the world now would be stupid but to let him fight Yannick also does’nt make sense. Like you said Yannick is a nobody…….
February 15, 2012 at 12:44 pm, Fan of the Gun said:
Just a question … why would GGP be so stupid to give Tommy 2 extremely hard fights, 1 month apart (seeing that he might be fighting in April as well) ???
Tommy is standing in for Hekkie, so they are just keeping him busy now (not saying that Yannick will be a walk over). No opponent can be seen as a walk over…
February 15, 2012 at 2:00 pm, KOOS said:
WILL TOMMY STILL FIGHT WITH LOU DI BELLE , UNDER THE IBO OR WILL IT BE SOME OF THE OTHER WBC,WBA OR WBO . WILL THIS FIGHTS IN AMERICA IMPROOF HIS RANKINGS ON THE LATER LIST
February 16, 2012 at 11:15 pm, 'chin' said:
Hi jo,wian and fan of the gun! I fEel the same about charles oosthuizen,and i heard he is back with harold as well! So i hope toe see him soon! He is helping tommy prepare for the his fight so he is busy! And with that said,tommy is turning 24 this year…..so give him time the big fights wil come! Let him take it step by step! Cheers