The promoter has contacted Abel Sanchez, trainer of middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin, about using The Summit Gym in Big Bear, California, situated two hours away from Los Angeles.
Golovkin sets up all his fight camps in the resort town, following in the footsteps of greats like Oscar De La Hoya, Mike Tyson, Fernando Vargas and Shane Mosley, who all trained at Big Bear.
Its seclusion, quiet roads and the gym itself make the town a perfect base for a boxer seeking to sharpen up for a major bout.
Berman is no doubt aware of the high stakes involved, not to mention Oosthuizen’s habit of going “walkabout”. Setting him up at a base like Big Bear, where his focus would be on nothing but boxing, is a smart move for such a major fight. Stevenson is the lineal light-heavyweight champion and a formidable fighter who will probably start favourite against the unbeaten SA southpaw.
“We haven’t signed yet,” said Berman, “but talks are at an advanced stage. The likely date is September 19. It’s massive any way you look at it, a real chance for Tommy to invade the world stage. He isn’t daunted either, [trainer] Harold Volbrecht saying he was more than happy to do the fight.
“Big Bear is not optional – Tommy would need to knuckle down and would also have the services of great sparring, working under the hand of Harold.”
