World Champion fails to make weight

World Champion fails to make weight

Drama has ensued overnight in Johannesburg at the weigh in for kiwi slugger, Robbie Berridge's historic IBO Light Heavyweight world title challenge.

Reigning Champion Tommy Oosthuizen twice failed to make the 79.35-kilogram limit and must forfeit 30% of his purse and vacate the title if he wins.

The initial weigh in was delayed an hour waiting on Oosthuizen to arrive at the venue.

When Oosthuizen arrived, he quickly jumped on and off the scales and although the MC began to announce he had made weight but a boxing commission representative then confirmed he had missed weight by more than a kilogram and had two hours to loose the weight.

Berridge made weight easily and went to eat while manager, Vasco Kovacevic waited on to witness the South African’s return. American trainer Barry Robinson was separated from Kovacevic and asked to sign a form confirming both fighters had made weight, but refused to do so.

After an hour, Oosthuizen returned but still weighed in at 80.55, more than a kilo above the 79.35-kilogram limit, and refused to drop any further weight despite still having an hour to do so.

A heated confrontation ensued between Kovacevic and Osthuizen’s trainer and with up to four of his boxers surrounding the kiwi and warning him to be careful because, “this is Africa”.

The kiwi manager withdrew and consulted with IBO officials who have confirmed that Berridge is still fighting for the IBO World Light Heavyweight title – if he wins the bout he will be crowned champion.

However Oosthuizen must vacate the title, and has forfeited 30 % of his purse. 20% going to Berridge and 10% to the South African boxing commission.

Kovacevic entire situation unnerving.

“It felt like deliberate intimidation which I found highly unprofessional, but ultimately we must come back to the fact that we made weight easily, we’ve done our job and it’s up to Tommy’s team to do theirs.

“We’ve been constantly reminded that Johannesburg isn’t a safe place and in light of some of the tension today will be hiring an armed security detail.

“Regardless of the drama, we are fighting for the world light heavyweight title, against the same opponent, who will now will carry an advantage in not having drained himself to make the agreed weight.

“Rob is ready, we know we are up against it, but we haven’t come to the lion’s den for nothing.”

The PPV event will screen live on VS Lives’ online platform from 5:30 amSunday morning with Berridge’s fight expected to go to air around 6.00 amNew Zealand time.

Fans can watch the event live on their PC, Mac, iPad, mobile or TV by connecting their computer with a cable. Viewers can also Chromecast it from any of their devices.

Click the below link for an interview with Vasco Kovacevic:
https://soundcloud.com/vslive-1/sets/robert-berridge-interview-with

Click the below link to download weigh-in footage and audio:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oq8spo05a77n16z/AAB4jSffwDPy7sS6mcciubSXa?dl=0

Event: D-DAY: IBO World Light Heavyweight Title
Main Event: Robert Berridge vs Tommy Oosthuizen
Date: Sunday, June 7, 2015
Time: Broadcast begins 5.30 am, Berridge fight @ 6.00 am
Broadcaster: VS LIVE
Website: www.vslive.co.nz
Price: $24.95

ENDS

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