Rematch hogs the headlines

The first clash between Thomas Oosthuizen and Thabiso Mchunu was organised due to public demand.

Now the rematch has unleashed more frenzied calls following their epic battle at Emperors Palace last weekend.

The two provided a thrilling battle whose outcome divided the fans down the middle with some feeling the majority decision in favour of Oosthuizen was unfair. Oosthuizen brushed off his 16-month lay-off to take an early lead, reflected by the scores of the judges after four and eight rounds.

Oosthuizen’s ability to take heavy shots unflinchingly influenced the judges to vote for him with scores of 115-113 twice while the third had the fight even.

Immediately after the outcome had been announced, media outlets were split down the middle, with some arguing for Mchunu’s single and heavier shots while others preferred Oosthuizen’s hand and foot speed.

“It was one of those bouts whose outcome depended on what one preferred,” said Golden Gloves Promotions boss Rodney Berman.

Berman has never shied away from giving boxing followers what they want, having organised epic battles before such as the Phillip Ndou-Cassius Baloyi clash, the Vuyani Bungu-Lehlo Ledwaba showdown and the Ndou-Isaac Hlatshwayo slugfest.

When Mchunu cried robbery, Berman did not hesitate to arrange a rematch and the two men have agreed to do it again on December 2 in what has now captivated sporting fans across the spectrum.

All big fights have rematches, with one of them taking place next weekend between Gennady Golovkin and Saul Alvarez.

But the Oosthuizen-Mchunu rematch is promising to even eclipse the battle in Las Vegas judging by the heightened interest doing the rounds.

“I cannot believe the interest shown at the first fight and the rematch will break attendance records and television ratings,” Berman said. – Own Correspondent