06-06-2015, 07:11 PM
Oosthuizen forfeits IBO light heavyweight title on the scales
By Ron Jackson
IBO light heavyweight champion Thomas came in overweight on Friday for his clash Robert against Robert Berridge of New Zealand and as a result has forfeited his title. The fight will still take place and if Berridge wins he can claim the belt.
The fight has now been moved down the card and he is likely to face the ire of many extremely disappointed spectators when he arrives at Emperors Palace.
The South African was expected to retain his title by beating the New Zealander at the venue near Kempton Park. His supporters also expected him to prove he is one of the best in the world in the division.
Now Oosthuizen, who has a history of ill-discipline, has probably blown everything, including the goodwill of those who had helped him to win two “world” titles, such as promoter Rodney Berman and trainer Harold Volbrecht.
The main bout will now be the ten-round cruiserweight clash between Johnny Muller and Poland’s Mateusz Masternak.
The lightweight fight between Mzonke Fana and Xolisani Ndongeni, who meet for the WBA Pan-African title, has been elevated to the main preliminary.
The talented Oosthuizen’s career may end if he loses to Berridge, who is not rated as one of the best boxers in the division. In fact, the 30-year-old Kiwi is in 30th position on the IBF rankings list.
But it does not mean he is a pushover. He has won more than 80 percent of his fights inside the distance.
Oosthuizen, whose defence is not his strongest asset and whose motivation is probably shot, should expect a tough encounter in what will be a battle between southpaws.
By Ron Jackson
IBO light heavyweight champion Thomas came in overweight on Friday for his clash Robert against Robert Berridge of New Zealand and as a result has forfeited his title. The fight will still take place and if Berridge wins he can claim the belt.
The fight has now been moved down the card and he is likely to face the ire of many extremely disappointed spectators when he arrives at Emperors Palace.
The South African was expected to retain his title by beating the New Zealander at the venue near Kempton Park. His supporters also expected him to prove he is one of the best in the world in the division.
Now Oosthuizen, who has a history of ill-discipline, has probably blown everything, including the goodwill of those who had helped him to win two “world” titles, such as promoter Rodney Berman and trainer Harold Volbrecht.
The main bout will now be the ten-round cruiserweight clash between Johnny Muller and Poland’s Mateusz Masternak.
The lightweight fight between Mzonke Fana and Xolisani Ndongeni, who meet for the WBA Pan-African title, has been elevated to the main preliminary.
The talented Oosthuizen’s career may end if he loses to Berridge, who is not rated as one of the best boxers in the division. In fact, the 30-year-old Kiwi is in 30th position on the IBF rankings list.
But it does not mean he is a pushover. He has won more than 80 percent of his fights inside the distance.
Oosthuizen, whose defence is not his strongest asset and whose motivation is probably shot, should expect a tough encounter in what will be a battle between southpaws.