Johannesburg – IBO super-middleweight champion Tommy Oosthuizen will be aiming for title defence number five when he defends his belt against American Rowland Bryant early on Friday morning, SA time from 4am.
Oosthuizen has been preparing in Atlantic City for the past fortnight, with manager Brian Mitchell reporting that he has punished a number of American sparring partners during training.
Bryant is a solid fighter with 16 wins in 17 fights, the most impressive of which was an early stoppage of Librado Andrade in April.
However, he has been hampered by inactivity, unlike Oosthuizen, who has had nine fights in the past two years.
Oosthuizen's stock is on the rise in America, which is why he needs to maintain his unbeaten record. He has already been promised a US television date in mid-October, provided he wins.
“The pressure is always intense,” says trainer Harold Volbrecht. Tommy knows he has to win well.” – Sapa