Wow - great opportunity for Robbie. What an idiot. Fighting for a world title and he cant even make the weight?
Also must have been full-on for Butchers manager Vasco Kovacevic.
Extract from the link at end of this post;
"A heated confrontation ensued between Kovacevic and Osthuizen’s trainer and with up to four of his boxers surrounding the kiwi and warning him to be careful because, “this is Africa”.
The kiwi manager withdrew and consulted with IBO officials who have confirmed that Berridge is still fighting for the IBO World Light Heavyweight title – if he wins the bout he will be crowned champion.
However Oosthuizen must vacate the title, and has forfeited 30 % of his purse. 20% going to Berridge and 10% to the South African boxing commission.
Kovacevic found the entire situation unnerving.
“It felt like deliberate intimidation which I found highly unprofessional, but ultimately we must come back to the fact that we made weight easily, we’ve done our job and it’s up to Tommy’s team to do theirs.
“We’ve been constantly reminded that Johannesburg isn’t a safe place and in light of some of the tension today will be hiring an armed security detail.
“Regardless of the drama, we are fighting for the world light heavyweight title, against the same opponent, who will now will carry an advantage in not having drained himself to make the agreed weight.
“Rob is ready, we know we are up against it, but we haven’t come to the lion’s den for nothing.”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1506/S00124/world-champion-fails-to-make-weight.htm
Also must have been full-on for Butchers manager Vasco Kovacevic.
Extract from the link at end of this post;
"A heated confrontation ensued between Kovacevic and Osthuizen’s trainer and with up to four of his boxers surrounding the kiwi and warning him to be careful because, “this is Africa”.
The kiwi manager withdrew and consulted with IBO officials who have confirmed that Berridge is still fighting for the IBO World Light Heavyweight title – if he wins the bout he will be crowned champion.
However Oosthuizen must vacate the title, and has forfeited 30 % of his purse. 20% going to Berridge and 10% to the South African boxing commission.
Kovacevic found the entire situation unnerving.
“It felt like deliberate intimidation which I found highly unprofessional, but ultimately we must come back to the fact that we made weight easily, we’ve done our job and it’s up to Tommy’s team to do theirs.
“We’ve been constantly reminded that Johannesburg isn’t a safe place and in light of some of the tension today will be hiring an armed security detail.
“Regardless of the drama, we are fighting for the world light heavyweight title, against the same opponent, who will now will carry an advantage in not having drained himself to make the agreed weight.
“Rob is ready, we know we are up against it, but we haven’t come to the lion’s den for nothing.”
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1506/S00124/world-champion-fails-to-make-weight.htm