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Francisco Sierra, left, will fight Tommy Oosthuizen at Emperors Palace next month
It may be third time lucky for promoter Rodney Berman and Tommy Oosthuizen after securing the services of Mexican hard man Francisco Sierra for the “Grand Slam” bill at Emperors Palace on November 23.
In confirming the signing of Sierra for Oosthuizen’s next IBO super-middleweight title defence, Berman reluctantly gave up on Maxim Vlasov and Sakio Bika. Berman had offered the pair good money – Vlasov had even initially agreed – but the volatility of the Rand-Dollar exchange rate, and “Tommy Gun’s” burgening reputation, saw them both fall by the wayside.
“The more these guys are on television and the better their record gets, the harder it is to match them,” Berman explained. “With Tommy now in the world top 10, guys are running scared. In trying to lure top 10-type opposition, the economic realities are brutal – these guys want to be paid in dollars and it is harder than ever to do so.”
For all this, Sierra is a very credible opponent and a big puncher with 22 KO’s in 24 wins. A veteran of 27 fights, he’s beaten top contenders like Don George (unbeaten at the time) and Jose Luis Lopez (50-4-2). Despite coming off a defeat to Jesus Gonzalez (26-1) in his last fight three months ago, he pushed Gonzalez all the way and scored a fifth round knockdown.
“It’s seldom that you get a bad fighter out of Mexico,” said Berman, whose agent has assured him that Sierra is a tough hombré who comes to fight.
The rest of the tournament is rounding out nicely with Johnny Muller’s return the most anticipated. Golden Gloves is still shopping around for an opponent, but it is expected to be a local contender.
Meanwhile, the WBC International title between Sipho Taliwe and Jasper Seroke has drawn plenty of comment from insiders, not least because their two previous encounters – a win apiece – were wars. Expect a re-commencement of hostilities come November 23.
An eight-round junior-welterweight match-up features Jason Bedeman against Samuel Malinga. Bedeman is “Mister Excitement” and will be fighting for the first time since joining Colin Nathan’s HotBox gym. He’ll have his hands full against Malinga, a proud veteran who knows his way around the ring.
Berman has made plenty of noise about Bongo Lipemba – “the next Azumah Nelson”, he says confidently – and nothing he’s done suggests that expectation is wide of the mark. He’s strong and relentless, but ought to get a decent workout against former SA lightweight champion Amon Baloyi on the undercard.
October 17, 2011 at 4:13 pm, THE IRON said:
I saw the fight between Sierra and Gonzalez. Sierra didn’t make the weight as he took the fight on short notice. Tough… He definately is. This should be an interesting matchup to say the least. Sierra sort of looks like someone who could upset on the day, so i am looking forward to this one.
October 17, 2011 at 4:17 pm, dilo said:
I think this is an excellent opponent. I have seen him fight and believe me, he won’t just com for a payday. I just hope that we do not hav a situation were Tommy underestimates Sierra. He should have the same attitude as he had in the states. Respect the opponent. Keep your hand up and don’t rush it lookin for a ko. Malinga stil has somtin and I think it is too soon for Bedeman. It will be good to see what happens. Libembe has been ok so far, but there can be no serious comparisons to Az Nelson so soon.
October 17, 2011 at 4:26 pm, Britt' said:
This is not a bad opponent for Thomas’
October 17, 2011 at 7:06 pm, Jono said:
Mr Berman
Well done on the match making, great fights.
Tommy will be tested and I am sure he will pull off a good win.
Now we are talking “The Badman” has been matched with a good boxer,this fight will only bring out the best out of Jason and will show South Africa that he is a true Champion in the right weight class.
God Bless
October 17, 2011 at 7:12 pm, Uppercut said:
This looks like a hard fight for Tommy.Now it’s time to step up Tommy.Show every one what you made off.
Sierra has been kept busy so he will be in shape and he will come to win.Be ready for him and all the best to you and your trainer Tommy.
October 17, 2011 at 7:26 pm, Jordan said:
Hey hey
This is a great fight card.
Some good boxers on the bill,I can understand why it must be so hard to get good boxers in the top 10 to fight Tommy.
The Rand is not that great right now and Boxing is a business, so it’s all about the money.
Welldone any way Mr Berman.
Does any one know about Kiazer opponent?
I read he is a Ausi, all I can say Kiazer knock him out!Ha ha.
This is a great match up Badman Vs Samul.
Samul is a SA boxing legend and was a World Champion.
On the other hand,he is up against a young and hungry fighter like Jason Bedeman.
That is for sure,going to put he’s mark in South Africa as a force to be recon with.
Now that he has a new Camp and training with Nathan.
I am sure he is looking to the future to be Champion.
October 17, 2011 at 7:33 pm, Farah said:
Hi Guys
I am a Fan of Jason Bedeman.
He is one of the nicest looking boxers GGP has.
Yes I know,he is exciting to watch fight.
Good luck on the 23rd of Nov.
October 17, 2011 at 9:46 pm, Jonathan said:
This sounds like good card. Tommy has a tough opponent, good luck to him. I have to agree with Dilo, i think Malinga is going to be to good for the badman (who i have nothing against.) I believe Malinga is still a good boxer, when he lost his last fight he didnt fight a while before that and i thought he was finding his rhythm in later rounds. I think the more active he is, He will cause a few upsets. All the best to all the boxer, keep up the great work Mr Berman. God bless.
October 18, 2011 at 9:02 am, Duncan said:
Tommy will win this fight it’s gonna be a cracker.Goodluck Tommy may you have a good fight.
October 18, 2011 at 9:32 am, Fan of the Gun said:
well, it’s becoming clear that the path forward is not going to be a walk in the park for our boytjie !!
but, I have full faith in him that he’ll keep on doing what he does best ….. out-class, out-box his opponents.
Looking forward to see you in action again my friend.
Train hard, and give SA an awesome performance, before going overseas ..!
October 18, 2011 at 11:17 am, tanya said:
This will be Tommy’s tougbest challenge yet but I believe if he keeps his hands up and fight like he did the last time he will win. Any idea who Johnny will be matched with Mr B? This is going to be an explosive bill! Any news how Mohale is doing after his operation? We wish him a speedy recovery. Best of luck to all boxers!
October 19, 2011 at 9:50 am, Flo Simba fan said:
Hi TANYA,
WHAT I HERE JOHNNY IS FIGHTING A GHANAIAN BOY-JOE SABA IF MY INFO IS RIGHT
October 19, 2011 at 12:38 pm, Tanya said:
Many thanks Flo Simba Fan, also just saw on fightnews. I can’t wait this is going to be a great night of fantastic boxing!
October 20, 2011 at 2:32 pm, John Smith said:
Cant see tommy losing to this guy. His record’s not too good and he lost his last fight so not sure how he qualifies for a world title?
October 21, 2011 at 12:40 pm, dennis said:
Good match up GGP. Tommy is facing a tough battle but he has showed what he is capable of. True test for young Muller in his big comeback, I wish him well.
October 21, 2011 at 7:06 pm, Uppercut said:
John Smith you are right about one thing,Tommy will not loose.You say how can this guy qualify for a world title,well his got 24 wins with 22 KO behind his name.That is how he qualifies.Do you want Tommy to defend his title against a boxer with 24 fights and 24 KO’s.will that please you.I don’t know if you boxed before or do you just don’t like the TOMMY GUN.