Title fight is down to style

THE long-held argument that styles make fights will be tested at Emperors Palace on June 4 when IBO super middleweight champion Thomas Oosthuizen defends against William Gare.

The Golden Gloves Promotions match-up between the rangy champion and the slightly shorter challenger will be an intriguing bout because of their contrasting styles.

Oosthuizen, a left-hander, is like a matador who moves from side to side and lures his opponents into a false sense of security with his lazy barbs while painstakingly setting them up for destruction. He has very long arms, like those of Muhammad Ali, which help him keep foes at bay when he wants to.

"Tommy Gun" understands the concept of fighting from a distance but he sometimes initiates the pace and is a smart finisher. With 15 fights, 22-year-old Oosthuizen is relatively inexperienced, but this young star has confidence and mental toughness that should not be underestimated. Oosthuizen is under the tutelage of accomplished veteran trainer Harold Volbrecht. He has held the IBO Youth, WBA Pan African super middleweight and IBO Youth light heavyweight belts, chalking up 11 KOs in 14 wins and a draw.

"Dynamite" Gare is a gentle giant who prefers to mix it up from close quarters, from where he can land his most devastating punches - the double left hooks to the body. The 35-year-old, who is trained by Johnny du Plooy, is a complete fighter and a seasoned campaigner of 41 bouts.

The former SA and WBC International junior middleweight and SA super middleweight titlist has made youngsters who thought he needed help to retirement eat humble pie.

Winning the WBF belt on February 23 2008 was a just reward for a fighter who always gives his best. He defended successfully four times and has 27 victories (5 KOs) against 14 losses. When in the mood, Gare makes boxing looks easy.