In announcing Tommy Oosthuizen’s world title bout against Juergen Braehmer on March 12, promoter Rodney Berman called it the “fight of his life” today.
Braehmer (47-2, 35 KOs) will defend his WBA world light-heavyweight title against “Tommy Gun” (25-0-2, 14 KOs) on March 12 at the Jahnsportforum in Neubrandenburg, Germany.
The bout was originally scheduled to take place last November in Monaco before a hand injury suffered by Braehmer forced the fight’s postponement. Now, fully fit, the reigning champion is relishing a return to Neubrandenburg, where he claimed the WBA world title back in 2013.
“Neubrandenburg holds a very special place in my heart,” said Braehmer. “It was here that I beat Marcus Oliveria to become world champion for a second time. So of course, I’m looking forward to returning to the Jahnsportforum and successfully defending my title against Oosthuizen.”
The 37-year-old southpaw will face tough opposition from Oosthuizen, who is unbeaten and will be travelling to Germany full of confidence.
“It’s lovely, wonderful news. This time, hopefully Braehmer doesn’t give us a bullshit excuse not to fight again – the fight must happen!
“I’m definitely going to cash in on my skill, speed, youth, power and agility. I’m letting my left hand go down and following up with right hooks. I’ll put him away for sure. You’ll hear nothing from the scorecards.”
Trainer Harold Volbrecht was just as confident.
“I’m so positive about this fight. There’s no way in a million years that Braehmer wins . . . Tommy considers him an old man. Braehmer must know that this isn’t another [former opponent] Andre Thysse. He’ll be in the ring with a real fighter. We’re not going to Germany for a points win; we know how tough it is for outsiders to get a win there. We have nine weeks left, nine weeks of hard training. Braehmer better be ready – Tommy’s coming for him!”
Rodney Berman, promoter of Oosthuizen, said: “Juergen Braehmer is ranked in the top six in all the ratings that count. Tommy Oosthuizen wants to be in this position – he sees Braehmer as the stepping-stone towards that goal. I can’t see Braehmer living with a fit and motivated Tommy Oosthuizen. saying that, it is the fight of Tommy’s life.”
Fight promoter Kalle Sauerland said he expects a top-class fight.
“This is a technically high-class fight. Oosthuizen is a dangerous, undefeated opponent, and by beating him, Juergen can prove once again why he is among the best in the light heavyweight division. The people in Neubrandenburg are true boxing fans and they will stand behind their man and cheer him to victory on March 12.” 
Standing at 1.93 metres tall, the challenger will hold both a height and reach advantage over the 1.81cm champion, but rather than see this as a disadvantage, Braehmer believes his opponent’s stature bodes well for his sixth successive title defence.
“His height doesn’t bother me. I have always done well against taller opponents,” said Braehmer. “Enzo Maccarinelli was a similar size and I stopped him inside the distance. Regardless of his size, whether by KO or points – I will be sending the South African home empty-handed.”
