Oosthuizen in better frame

Thomas Oosthuizen (above) will have a psychological advantage when he engages in a highly-anticipated rematch against Thabiso Mchunu at Emperors Palace on December 8.

This is the feeling of Oosthuizen’s trainer Harold Volbrecht, who sees his left-handed charge winning a lot easier in the return bout than their first encounter in September.

And in the rematch Golden Gloves Promotion is dangling an IBO world cruiserweight title shot for the winner, making the stakes even higher for both combatants.

In the first fight Oosthuizen came off a 16-month lay-off to beat Mchunu and claim the ABU cruiserweight title much to the chagrin of his fellow southpaw who cried robbery after the judges had rendered the majority decision outcome.

The fact that Oosthuizen was able to be competitive against the more active Mchunu was surprising enough but beating him upset the oddsmakers. And with both boxers now set to contest the rematch on even keel, the pendulum is swinging towards Oosthuizen to erase any doubts about the win.

That sentiment is shared by Volbrecht who knows all there is to know in the boxing ring having boxed himself with huge success.

“I honestly feel Thomas will be a lot sharper this time around,” Volbrehct said.