https://www.BS.com/mchunu-vs-o ... ws--126852
Mchunu vs. Oosthuizen Back in Play After Mike Perez Withdraws
Mike Perez has withdrawn from his fight against Thabiso Mchunu in favour of a big-money offer in Europe, a brutal consequence of South Africa’s weak currency.
Determined not to jettison the June show, set for Emperors Palace, promoter Rodney Berman has gone back to Plan A, which has risk written all over it notwithstanding the excellent merits of the match-up: Mchunu versus Tommy Oosthuizen.
Yes, that Oosthuizen, who is currently incarcerated in prison in Boksburg on drugs charges.
The former IBO champion has a bail hearing scheduled for April 23 and, assuming he is released, he will come directly under trainer Harold Volbrecht’s care.
“If he is released, there will be no impediment to him fighting – he’s yet to be convicted of anything,” said Berman, who has another opponent on standby – just in case.
Despite his love-hate relationship with the controversial boxer, Berman believes the greater good will be served by having Oosthuizen on the card.
“There are two things to consider. Tommy gets into trouble when he’s not boxing. The sport keeps him on the straight and narrow. At his best, he’s the most naturally talented SA boxer of the past 10 years. The other reality is that this is a very good match-up between two locals."
