Stylish Oosthuizen outsmarts Mchunu

Out of the ring for 16 months and with a world of misadventure behind him, Tommy Oosthuizen (right) produced a thrilling exhibition of boxing to beat Thabiso Mchunu on points at Emperors Palace on Saturday evening.

In a battle of style and tactics, Oosthuizen prevailed, winning a majority decision by scores of 115113 (twice) and 114-114 and earning the ABU cruiserweight crown for his endeavours.

More importantly, he reminded fans exactly what he is capable of when he pursues boxing rather than the bright lights offered elsewhere.

Whether he can hang with the heavies of the division is a question for another day, but even as he ate leather in the second half of the fight, he demonstrated sufficient bravery to overcome a worthy warrior in Mchunu.

Thoughts that Oosthuizen’s style would be all wrong for Mchunu proved on the money, for Mchunu was shorter and while his punches had power, he was seldom able to close the distance.

Oosthuizen fought mainly behind his slick southpaw jab and threw a volley of uppercuts in the opening rounds.

Strangely, this ploy subsided as the fight wore on and Mchunu would later have success, shooting out jolting jabs and wicked left crosses.

Mchunu started too slowly, which was recognised by the judges, whose four-round scores were announced as 39-37, 40-36 and 3838.

Undeterred, Mchunu pressed on, but Oosthuizen never hung around long enough for the barrage to take lasting effect.

Oosthuizen had a slight edge after eight (77-75, 77-75 and 76-76) and things were on an even keel.

Mchunu subsequently had success with his jab and left hand, catching Oosthuizen often enough to keep things interesting. But the solid Oosthuizen chin and his East Rand grit proved telling as he happily traded and popped out shots to disrupt Mchunu’s rhythm. – ANA