Tommy “Tommy Gun” Oosthuizen is taking aim at International Boxing Federation (IBF) champion Carl Froch, following the defence of his International Boxing Organisation (IBO) super middleweight title against American fighter Rowland Bryant in New York on Friday.

Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman, who was ringside for the Oosthuizen-Bryant bout, says negotiations are close to being concluded for Oosthuizen to meet the highly-regarded, British-based Froch in America in October.

Oosthuizen's trainer, Harold Volbrecht, and manager, Brian Mitchell, believe their charge is ready to take on the big-punching Briton, who boasts 21 knock-outs among his 29 victories, with only two losses.

“Tommy's work ethic in the gym is amazing,” Volbrecht said.

“He keeps improving all the time. He's ready to take on Froch.”

Meanwhile, Berman is pushing for the Froch-Oosthuizen fight to feature on a high-profiled, televised bill in October.

Even if Froch's handlers are not forthcoming with the offer made to them, it is almost certain Oosthuizen will return to the United States to face another opponent on the October programme after a brief break from training in South Africa in the interim.

Oosthuizen beat Bryant after the judges handed the talented South African a victory by seven and eight points.