Tommy Gun shoots himself in the foot

A lack of self-discipline both in and out of the ring has cost Thomas “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen the International Boxing Organisation light heavyweight championship belt, according to trainer Harold “The Hammer” Volbrecht.

Oosthuizen lost his title without defending it by failing to make the division’s required 79.38kg limit at the official weigh-in last Friday.

He came in 1.22kg too heavy and was subsequently stripped of his crown – even though he was due to take on New Zealand’s Robert Berridge in a title defence the following day.

Oosthuizen (27) was docked 30% of his purse and the championship title has been declared vacant.

Tommy Gun’s failure to make the weight limit has infuriated his promoter, Rodney Berman, who has since severed ties with the Boksburg-based fighter.

A peeved Volbrecht told City Press Oosthuizen’s ill-discipline had adversely affected his career for the eight years the duo have been together at the Hammer Gym in Boksburg.

“The problem with Tommy is that he is single. He mixes with the wrong friends who often take him away from the gym when he is still training. This has damaged his boxing career,” said Volbrecht.

He did, however, admit that Oosthuizen was a talented boxer.

“Look, he was fine two weeks before the bout. He was able to control his weight at the gym. I was shocked when he failed to make the limit on the eve of such a key fight,” he said.

Volbrecht said he would sit down with his pugilist next week to discuss his future.

“I may have to advise him to consider furthering his career in the UK,” he said.

Oosthuizen, who is unbeaten in 25 fights, won the then vacant title in March by beating Ryno Liebenberg by unconvincing unanimous points decision at Emperors Palace.

Tommy Gun spent most of the time running around the ring instead of fighting.

He seems to be following in the footsteps of other boxers whose poor behaviour led to career KO.