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Recently crowned IBO world super middleweight champion Isaac “Golden Boy” Chilemba (15-1, with 8 knockouts) sorely needs to defend his championship against Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen (11-0, with 8 knockouts) if he’s ever to be taken seriously! This is the considered opinion of more than a few local fight buffs, following the 23-year-old Golden Boy’s title-winning match against Australia’s Michael Bolling at Emperors Palace on June 19.
“Let’s face it Isaac is no sure-fire seller in terms of marketing and though his skill has never been disputed, he probably needs (to fight) Oosthuizen more than the undefeated Tommy Gun needs (to fight) him” said former two-time Hall of Famer Brian Mitchell. Certainly Golden Gloves Promoter Rodney Berman recognises the validity of that statement, especially since Oosthuizen was initially scheduled to fight Bolling before being injured in a motor vehicle accident and being replaced by Chilemba.
“Most people felt that a crunch meeting between Bolling and Oosthuizen would have been an explosive war between two unbeaten southpaws, both of whom rank high in the power bracket” said Berman. “Instead Isaac had to come in as a late substitute for Tommy and as a result he (Chilemba) resorted to what he does best, namely outboxing his opponents. Moreover, unlike Oosthuizen, whose idea of a competitive performance is to biff and bang his rivals into brutal submission, the Chilemba battle strategy is structured around pace, movement and silky skills and while he outpointed the previously undefeated Bolling by the proverbial mile, there was none of the anticipated gore and high velocity exchanges that would probably have occurred had Tommy faced the gutsy Australian”.
“Chilemba’s ring artistry has to be seen to be appreciated, but let’s not beat about the bush, the everyday fight fan loves his blood-letting by the bucketful and unless the Golden Boy elects to take on Oosthuizen at close range and prove his credentials as a true champion, he’ll never become a certifiable attraction at the box-office” said veteran scribe Paul Hetz. “Yes, Chilemba is an exceptionally clever boxer but to many of us old sweats, you shouldn’t win fights by constantly planning escape routes. In a nutshell: Chilemba has to go in against Oosthuizen and fight aggressively if he’s ever to wow the public”.
That Chilemba will defend his IBO world super middleweight title against Oosthuizen is a fact and Berman has pencilled in a likely date at the beginning of November. “However everything depends on how well Oosthuizen recovers from those 25 stitches in his face” concluded the CEO of Golden Gloves.
July 05, 2010 at 9:25 am, Britt said:
Blah-Blah-Blah-Blah. early night for Isaac another Title for Tommy.
July 05, 2010 at 12:29 pm, Tanya said:
I doubt whether any fight is ever an easy one but by the looks of the bout between Isaac and Bolling, Tommy will definately take the title.
July 05, 2010 at 12:30 pm, ben said:
Agreed, Tommy will take the title without much hassle.
July 05, 2010 at 1:27 pm, the real fight fan said:
Tommy is in a diffrent class he should rather go for another title he will beat Isaac my 2c.Tommy is world class and will go far in his weigth division.
July 06, 2010 at 2:55 pm, Classy said:
Im not so sure about that guys…I think that Chilemba has the ability to beat Tommy, and as the write-up suggests, it all depends on how Tommys face holds up. He now has a scar tissue issue (oh yes, check my rap!) to contend with…it is a disadvantage open for exploitation! How will tommy handle himself if claret were to start pouting out his face? Chilemba can take a punch and was strong at Super Middle against bolling…
July 07, 2010 at 9:11 am, britt said:
And Classy I always thought you really know your boxing!
July 07, 2010 at 12:15 pm, Terry Pettifer said:
From a personal point of view I’d say that Classy does indeed “know his boxing” and his comments are valid and well founded.
July 07, 2010 at 12:49 pm, Britt said:
So in other words Mr. Terry you agree with “Class” on this one? Interesting indeed!
July 07, 2010 at 12:57 pm, fight mad said:
I like Chilemba as a person but Never and I mean Never under estimate the like of Tommy and Hekkie these boxer are there to make sure they make it.
Chilemba remember Tommy can box he will hurt you.
With respect Mr. T
July 07, 2010 at 1:02 pm, fan of boxing said:
I just read an artical about a car accident.
Did you not pick up the scars at the night club
fight.
July 09, 2010 at 5:06 am, Classy said:
Dlamini v Bederman Britt???? hit the mute button!
September 19, 2010 at 9:45 pm, kt said:
This fight will probably be my second most interesting compared to tommy vs lovett. The hype is incredible and I can’t wait to see what the outcome will be.
I was a huge tommy fan but I think all his wins might have got to his ego of late and I hope it
Doesn’t get in the way of his fighting as he is truly talented.
Chilemba is also a brilliant fighter, as long as his soft side is not portrayed
When in the ring. In my opinion, he is a sensitive guy with a lot of talent and luck! My $ are on him for this fight.
To be fair, may the best one – win!
Let’s see…