They clashed at Golden Gloves Promotions’ Stand and Deliver event, at Emperors Palace, on Saturday evening, March 14.
Oosthuizen, who now stands at 25-0-2, including 14 knockouts, enjoyed the ascendency for most of the fight, which put an end to an intensive build-up and speculation about his ring form.
Judge Simon Xamlashe called it 115-113 in a stunning decision in favour of Ryno, with fellow officials Deon Dwarte and Ace Makaluza unanimously calling the fight 117-111 in favour of Oosthuizen.
The defeat meant that Liebenberg dropped to 16-2.
The fight started slowly, with Liebenberg the aggressor and Oosthuizen feeling out the challenger.
Oosthuizen began to seize control towards the middle rounds and dictated the pace from there, using his captivating foot and hand speed to keep Liebenberg at bay.
The talented southpaw also afforded himself some time to stylishly wipe sweat from his forehead in the middle of the fight, offering spectators an entertainment treat.
Liebenberg never gave up and denied Oosthuizen breathing space, landing some damaging blows of his own whenever the chance presented itself.
Polish referee Grzegorz Molenda cautioned the eager Liebenberg a couple of times for leading with his head in the clinches, and hitting behind the head.
In a convincing performance that should earn him a big breakthrough in the upcoming months, ”Tommy Gun” didn’t impress only by coming out of the bout unscathed, but he left spectators wanting more. – @SabeloBoksburg
