FILE PICTURE: during the IBO Super Middleweight Bout between Tommy Oosthuizen (SA) in white trunks and Fulgencio Zunica (Columbia) in red/yellow trunks at Emperors Palace on November 10, 2012 in Johannesburg, South Africa Photo by Duif du Toit / Gallo Images
The brainchild of Golden Gloves boss Rodney Berman, the series will see the combatants battle it out for the lion’s share of R5-million with the first event in this knockout competition set to take place at Emperors Palace on August 9.
The six fighters have been seeded with Tommy Oosthuizen, pictured, venturing into a new division, installed in the highest spot. The former IBO super-middleweight champion has been pitted against sixth seed Willbeforce Shihepo for the first round.
“He shows no respect, not only to his opponent but also the rules of boxing,” Oosthuizen said at the announcement of the draw yesterday, referring to the Namibian’s fight against “Tommy Gun’s” stablemate Johnny Muller earlier this year which proved to be a rough and tumble affair.
“But we’ll be prepared and we’ll break him down,” added Oosthuizen.
Muller has been pitted against Roberto Bolonti, although a change of opponent may be necessary if the Argentinean’s WBA world title challenge against Max Braehmer next month comes off.
The final match in the first round sees Ryno Liebenberg, yet to lose in 15 outings to date, step up to take on Russia’s Denis Grachev, a fighter who holds a 13-3 record.
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