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Ugly scenes as tempers flare
Isaac Chilemba and Tommy Oosthuizen had to be restrained when they squared up during a news conference at Alberton, near Johannesburg, on Thursday.
The animosity between them flared up during an event to publicise a box-and-dine Rising Stars tournament at Emperors Palace next week.
Chilemba is scheduled to defend his IBO super-middleweight title against Oosthuizen at the same venue on November 6.
The two squared up amid a barrage of personal insults and near-blows that led to a threat of legal action when Oosthuizen made a remark about Chilemba and his manager, Jodie Solomon.
"This was a disgraceful, unfounded allegation," Solomon said afterwards. "I have already consulted my attorneys and we are demanding an immediate written apology.
"If this is not forthcoming, we'll take further action and sue for defamation. No wonder Isaac almost hit the ceiling."
Oosthuizen's outburst may have stemmed from the fact that he was due to fight Australian Michael Bolling for the vacant IBO super-middleweight title at Emperors Palace last month. However, he had to withdraw from the bout after being injured in a road accident.
Chilemba replaced him and took the title with a clear-cut points victory.
Oosthuizen, unbeaten in 11 fights, is regarded as one of the most promising fighters in South Africa. Malawi-born Chilemba has been beaten only once in 15 bouts.
