Thomas ready for title defence
Thomas Oosthuizen is raring to get into the ring for his IBO super-middleweight title defence against Mexican Francisco Sierra at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park, on Wednesday night.
The tournament will be broadcast live on SuperSport 4, starting at 8 pm (SA, CAT, GMT+2).
"Preparations have been going really well," Oosthuizen said on Friday.
"Technique-wise there is a lot of improvement, my hand speed is very good and everything is just picking up nicely. I'm peaking at the right time; I'm ready. I will not fall asleep in the ring."
The 23-year-old South African southpaw comes off an imposing victory over Aaron Pryor in Biloxi, Mississippi, in September.
He goes into the fight against the Mexican with more bouts in the United States on his mind.
Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman said at Friday's pre-fight medical for the Grand Slam tournament there had been great American interest in Oosthuizen.
The fight against Sierra could provide a huge step in his career.
The challenger, ranked 23rd by the IBO, has 22 knockouts from 24 wins in 27 fights. Oosthuizen may have a rough time to overcome him.
"At the end of the day it is boxing, and the people who are coming to see the fight will see a fist fight," Oosthuizen said. "A win is always on the cards. I don't fight to lose; I fight to win.
"Even if it is a win on points, a win is a win."
His trainer, Harold Volbrecht, said Oosthuizen's victory in the United States had seen him rise to a new level in his career.
"The month in America was such an experience for Tommy that he really became a professional boxer," Volbrecht said.
TALIWE v SEROKE
On the undercard of the bill, Sipho Taliwe defends his WBC international junior lightweight title against Jasper Seroke. It will be their third meeting.
Jason Bedeman makes his return to the ring under new trainer Colin Nathan when he fights Samuel Malinga in an eight-round junior welterweight bout.
In an eight-round bout at 90kg, Oosthuizen's stablemate Zack Mwekassa, from the Democratic Reuplic of Congo, faces his countryman Kizito Ruhamya.
Voyolwethu Sirhayi meets Joey Stiglingh in a six-rounder at 60kg.