By Ron Jackson

In an intriguing matchup Tommy Oosthuizen meets Thabiso Mchunu in a clash for the vacant African Boxing Union cruiserweight title at Emperors Palace on Saturday night. However, the big question going into this fight is does Oosthuizen have enough left to upset Mchunu after being out of action for fifteen months and also because of his reported troubles outside the ring?

The 30-year-old Oosthuizen (27-1-2, 16 KOs) made his professional debut in February 2008 and has won eight professional title along the way, which include the IBO super-middleweight and light-heavyweight belts. His only loss came in his most recent fight on May 19, 2017 in Germany when he was outpointed over 12 rounds with scores of 118-109 and 118-110 twice by Igor Mikhalkin in a contest for the vacant IBO light-heavyweight belt.

In a battle of southpaws Mchunu, 30, who has a record of 19-4, 13 KOs, is a seasoned campaigner and has won five professional titles in his eleven-year pro career. He has had some grueling fights since May 2015 losing three out of six with two coming inside the distance.

Oosthuizen, who will be having his first fight in the cruiserweight division, has massive height and reach advantages and if he has anything left he should be able to keep Mchunu on the outside to take a points decision. However, Mchunu is a strong competitor and should have the edge on stamina and power and could win on a late round stoppage.

On the undercard, Ryno Liebenberg meets Alfonso Tissen in a matchup for the vacant ABU super-middleweight title.

Other bouts: Cruiserweight: Keaton Gomes v Tshilidzi Malaudzi, 4 rounds; Middleweight: Cowin Ray v Jade Karam, 6 rounds, Lightweight: Lusanda Komanisi v Michael Mokoena, 10 rounds.

The tournament is presented by Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves Promotions