Juergen Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) will defend his WBA Light Heavyweight title against South Africa’s Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen (25-0-2, 14 KOs) on November 7 at the Salle des Etoiles, Sporting Monte Carlo.
The fight will top Rodney Berman’s Golden Gloves’ ‘Night of Champions’ card in Monaco which features boxers from around the world – China, Venezuela, Kazakhstan, Russia, Japan, France, South Africa, Germany and the United Kingdom – being represented
Braehmer, who is undefeated in seven years, is fresh off a weekend victory over Konni Konrad, his fifth successful defense since claiming the WBA strap against Marcus Oliveira in 2013, and for the first time in six years, the 36 year-old will fight outside his native Germany when he travels to Monaco to face the unbeaten challenger Oosthuizen.
‘’I’m very happy to get the chance to come to Monaco and defend my title at such a special venue,’’ said the German champion. ‘’This is a chance for me to let the world know that I’m ready for any challenge.’’
Oosthuizen, unbeaten in twenty-seven professional contests, is a former IBO Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion. Ahead of his WBA World title tilt, the 27 year-old is confident he can dethrone Braehmer and establish himself as a leading figure in the light heavyweight division.
“I’m thrilled, this is a big opportunity for me to display my skills and claim the prized WBA title,’’ said Oosthuizen. ‘’I’ve been waiting for a long time and this could lead to unification fights and my dream to become the first South African to make a division his own,” he said from his hometown of Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.
“I’ve seen Braehmer. His handspeed is critical; I’m going to have to bring my A-game. He’s similar to me with counter-punching and angles, but my style is adjustable and I can adapt. I’ll have a response to whatever he brings.
“I like fighting overseas. It motivates me more. I want to do South Africa proud. I’ve been training hard already . . . Braehmer is definitely not training as hard. After him, I want to go after the big boys – Sergey Kovalev and the rest. I want to fight them all.”
Despite the challenger’s claims, Braehmer believes Oosthuizen’s work ethic will be no match for his superior skills. ‘’Oosthuizen is a quality opponent but he has never fought anyone like me,’’ said the Schwerin-southpaw.
‘’I’m pleased to hear that he is training hard, as hopefully we will be able to deliver the fans in Monaco and those watching on television a thrilling encounter on November 7. But no matter how hard he trains, it will not be enough to take my title!’’
Said Braehmer’s promoter Kalle Sauerland: ‘’We’re delighted to be working with Rodeney Berman’s Golden Gloves to deliver fans a hotly anticipated world championship fight between Juergen Braehmer and Tommy Oosthuizen.
‘’Juergen has never shied away from a challenge and when the opportnity came for him to defend his title in Monaco he didn’t have to give it a second thought. This is a chance for Juergen to further his legacy and prove once again why he is one of the top names in the light heavyweight division.’’
