Fallen former International Boxing Organisation (IBO) champion Tommy Oosthuizen is pleading for one more chance as he attempts to revive a career beaten and bruised by his out-of-ring antics.
Oosthuizen (32) is in custody at Boksburg Correctional Services on a pending assault case arising from an incident at a pub in Boksburg late last year during which he allegedly beat up a man after he uttered a joke the pugilist was not impressed by.
Oosthuizen’s last fight was in March last year, in Russia, in which he suffered a loss to Aleksey Egorov, which spoiled his impressive professional record to 28-3-2, with 16 of the 28 wins coming via knockout.
The Van Dyk Park boxer was due for a sensational return to the ring in a Golden Gloves Promotions event which was supposed to take place earlier this year, but the coronavirus pandemic had other ideas. His return was sensational because Golden Gloves boss Rodney Berman, who had previously dismissed Oosthuizen for his never-ending misdemeanours, made a U-turn to give the talented boxer a lifeline.
However, his untimely arrest during the build-up to his comeback dealt his career a serious blow – a blow many view as Oosthuizen’s swansong.
From the horse’s mouth
Despite all of this, the pugilist is refusing to throw in the towel and believes he still has a lot to offer in the squared circle, according to a statement sent to the Advertiser via a spokesperson for Oosthuizen.
“I have been training in here [prison] and this place has taught me a lot about myself in this time,” said Oosthuizen, who has been in custody for about six months. I have become somewhat of a creature in this time. If Rodney [Berman] and Harold [Volbrecht] could find a way for me, I would focus myself on that path. I have the belief that they could supply me with a vision.
“Brother don’t you forget – it’s Tommy Gun you’re speaking to and I never quit,” he said. I’m pleading with Rodney and Harold to supply me with a vision.”
Oosthuizen is due back in the dock at Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on July 20.
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