Thomas Oosthuizen made the most of his United States television debut on ShoBox: The New Generation by producing a crowd-pleasing unanimous decision victory over Marcus “Too Much” Johnson. The 10-round super middleweight bout was scored 98-91 on all three scorecards.
After losing the first fight of his career in his last ShoBox appearance, Johnson (21-2, 15 KOs), of Houston, came out bullish and determined to outperform the IBO super middleweight titlist Oosthuizen. Jumping out from his corner at the opening bell, Johnson bolted directly at his six-foot-four opponent and attacked him with a barrage of head and body blows. Oosthuizen (19-0-1, 13 KOs) of Gauteng, South Africa, absorbed some early punishment but maintained his composure.
Despite his height advantage of more than five inches, the tall South African did not always keep his distance, choosing to fight off the ropes during many portions of the contest. As the bout entered the fourth and fifth rounds, the 26-year-old Johnson slowed and Oosthuizen upped his work rate. A busy southpaw, Oosthuizen threw most of his punches in bunches including repeated left-right, left-right combos to the ribs.
In the eighth, Oosthuizen pressured Johnson into the blue corner and forced the Texan to take a knee after landing a right hook to the body. Johnson beat the count and the two battled it out for the final rounds before the scores revealed that Oosthuizen claimed the latest victory in his budding career.
“I never underestimated Johnson,” said the 24-year-old Oosthuizen. “I expected him to come out fast but I knew it would be sink or swim. I think he was surprised when I surpassed his big punches at the beginning. I could tell he was beginning to tire by the third or fourth round because I could hear how heavily he was breathing.”
Luis Del Valle scored a ten round unanimous decision over battle tested Christopher Martin in a Super Bantamweight bout.
Del Valle controlled most of the action as he had a solid speed advantage. Martin fought pretty well in spots. In round seven, Martin briefly turned southpaw and it costed him as Del Valle landed a little flush left hook that put Martin on the deck. Martin got up and was competitive but it was Del Valle who came home with the 100-89; 98-91 and 97-92 win.
Del Valle, 123 of Bayamon, PR is now 16-0. Martin, 123 lbs of San Diego is now 23-2-3.
Jose Pedraza scored an eight round unanimous decision over Gil Garcia in a Jr. Lightweight bout.
Pedraza scored a knockdown in round three from a left hook and dominated the bout by boxing from the outside.
Scores were 80-71; 79-72 and 79-72 for Pedraza, 131 1/2 lbs of Cidra, PR and is now 8-0. Garcia, 132 1/4 lbs of Houston, TX and is now 5-3-1.
