Oosthuizen, Liebenberg Move Up in Ranks as Clash Looms

Tommy Oosthuizen and Ryno Liebenberg, who are due to clash in March, are now among the top twelve on the WBC rankings list.

Oosthuizen has moved up from twentieth to seventh and Liebenberg, previously at No 21, is now twelfth.

The two South Africans are scheduled to meet in a light-heavyweight bout at Emperors Palace near Johannesburg on March 21.

Their elevated rankings follow the recent WBC convention in Las Vegas, which Golden Gloves promoter Rodney Berman attended.

Berman said boxers from South Africa were sometimes “downplayed” by leading sanctioning organisations. He had pointed out at the convention that Oosthuizen had held the IBO super-middleweight title and was still undefeated.

"It seemed to have the desired effect,” Berman said. Their improved status could result in the fight receiving more recognition in international boxing.

Oosthuizen and Liebenberg both have many supporters who are eager to watch them try to improve on recent performances. Liebenberg lost to Eleider Alaverez in Monte Carlo and Oosthuizen has not lived up to his reputation.