Boxing: Kiwis seeking armed guards

Robbie Berridge. Photo / Photosport

Tommy Oosthuizen. Photo / Supplied

New Zealand light-heavyweight boxer Robbie Berridge's support staff say they have been forced to hire armed security after being involved in a confrontation with opponent Tommy Oosthuizen's camp at a dramatic weigh-in yesterday.

Berridge will this morning fight IBO world light-heavyweight champion Oosthuizen in Johannesburg, but the South African yesterday failed to make the 79.35kg limit, and will forfeit the title and 30 per cent of his purse if he wins.

Berridge, who made weight, will win the title if he defeats Oosthuizen.

Tensions rose at the weigh-in when Oosthuizen twice failed to make weight - his latest was 80.55kg. Berridge's American trainer was asked to sign a form confirming both fighters had made weight but refused to do so. Then the Kiwi's manager Vasco Kovacevic was involved in what he described as a heated confrontation with Oosthuizen and four boxers from his camp. Kovacevic said he was told to be careful because "this is Africa".

Kovacevic consulted IBO officials who confirmed 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 if he is successful because he was over weight, with 20 per cent of his purse going to Berridge and 10 per cent to the South African boxing commission.

Kovacevic said he felt unnerved by the confrontation.

"It felt like deliberate intimidation, which I found highly unprofessional. 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 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."NZME.