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Recently, the undefeated light-heavyweight star boxer informed Golden Gloves promoter, Rodney Berman, that he is not fit to challenge World Boxing Association (WBA) light-heavyweight champion Juergen Braehmer, in Germany, next month.

This has forced the cancellation of the big fight.

Volbrecht had, in the past, showed an unyielding attitude in defending his trainee, but this time he has declared to the Advertiser that he is done with Oosthuizen.

“We had six weeks left for the fight,” said Volbrecht.

“During that period, Tommy came to the gym once or twice. I wasn’t happy so I started shouting and screaming. He doesn’t like it when you discipline him so he left the gym.

“He was also upset because he was initially scheduled to fight Braehmer late last year in Monte Carlo for big money, before Braehmer pulled out with a broken hand.

“The fight was then, of course, moved to Germany but organised with a smaller budget than Monte Carlo which upset Tommy.

“He thinks he’s bigger than Braehmer but what he doesn’t realise is that it was a big opportunity to make a name overseas,” he explained.

“He’s now talking about immigrating to America, but he could’ve gone there as the WBA champion.

“That would’ve made sense because if you go to America as a champion, they’ll want you but he’s going to go there as an immigrant with nothing.

“He was ranked ninth in the world on the WBA rankings before the Braehmer fight, he’s probably not even in the top 50 now.

“All he has to do is get to the gym, change, train, shower and leave – that’s all we ask of him,” said Volbrecht.

While some have accused Volbrecht of doing little to control the star boxer, he hit back by saying people have no idea how much he’s done for the lanky southpaw fighter.

“I feel betrayed. We’ve tried for so long to keep him on the right road. As soon as he comes right, he veers off again. We’ve looked after him daily, doing the things his parents should be doing.”

Volbrecht also bemoaned Tommy’s ill-discipline in keeping within the required weight limit when preparing for fights.

“I’m forever training him to shed off extra weight before fights. When he lost his title against Robert Berridge on the scale, we dropped six kilos through vigorous training the night before the fight.

“He had to lose about one more kilo but he couldn’t do it.

“Ryno Liebenberg was not supposed to keep up with him for more than five rounds but because we constantly have to train to shed weight instead of boxing, he lasted all the way.

“Tommy’s punches don’t have power anymore because he shocks his body with his rapid weight changes.

“I recall when we were in America for a fight, he had picked up three kilos over one night and when I weighed him, I shouted that he had swallowed a new born baby. I understand he might have a sweet tooth but he must also be disciplined.”

Volbrecht said the consequences of Tommy’s ill-discipline were damaging.

“If Tommy had a normal nine to five job, he would lose it. He’s always late. I have to call and wake him up every day around 10am and sometimes 11am or noon, even though he lives around the corner from the gym.

“I’ve tried and tried. I can’t do this anymore, I’m done,” said the top trainer.

“He last trained here two weeks ago and he was clowning. We had aspiring boxers here in the gym watching, what were they supposed to think? They’re going to think that that’s how to box; but you know, he doesn’t like it when you’re honest with him.”

Volbrecht however, remains hopeful that the former IBO super-middleweight champion will make a permanent resurgence but fears it might be too little too late.

“He will sit and cry one day because he’s going to think back at all of the opportunities he let slip.”

Volbrecht and Oosthuizen met nine years ago when Charles Oosthuizen introduced his then 19-year-old son to the top trainer at the gym.

“I saw the talent,” recalled Volbrecht.

“The foot work and the hand speed were brilliant, that’s where the Tommy Gun nickname comes from.”

Berman said this is the final nail in the coffin and that Tommy is finished as a fighter.

“I can’t see him having another fight. There are massive repercussions. Many people are angry and disappointed. I am duty-bound to inform the WBA of this situation, I can’t sweep this under the carpet.”

It’s the latest in a series of controversies which have blemished the fighter’s otherwise successful career, highlighted by his undefeated status.

In reaction, Oosthuizen told the Advertiser that he still believes he will one day be fighting the best in the world.

“Berman had promised a lot of top fights so I will trust in my belief. I do apologise for what happened and to all involved.” – @SabeloBoskburg

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