By Jake Donovan

Mere days removed from his latest victory, Juergen Braehmer is ready to jump right back into the mix. 

The 36-year old southpaw racked up the fifth defense of his secondary title with a 7th round knockout of Konni Konrad over the weekend in Dresden, Germany. There was barely anytime for celebration, as Braehmer is set to next defend in two months, facing unbeatean Thomas Oosthuizen on November 7 in Monte Carlo, Monaco. 

"I’m very happy to get the chance to come to Monaco and defend my title at such a special venue,’’ said Braehmer (47-2, 35KOs). "This is a chance for me to let the world know that I’m ready for any challenge."
 
The two months between fights marks Braehmer's quickest turnaround in nearly 10 years. The upcoming title defense versus Oosthuizen is his first match against an unbeaten opponent since beating Marcus Oliveira to win his portion of the light heavyweight crown nearly two years ago.

As for Oosthuizen, it's his first crack at a major title following a strange two-year run. The unbeaten southpaw from South Africa has withdrawn from big fights, struggled at the scales and feuded with estranged promoter Rodney Berman. 

For better or for worse, the 27-year old claims to be going all in for this opportunity.  

“I’m thrilled, this is a big opportunity for me to display my skills and claim the prized WBA title,’’ said Oosthuizen (25-0-2, 14KOs), whose last win - a 12-round decision over Robert Berridge - was marred by his coming in two pounds over the divisional limit. “I’ve been waiting for a long time and this could lead to unification fights and my dream to become the first South African to make a division his own.
 
“I’ve seen Braehmer. His handspeed is critical; I’m going to have to bring my A-game. He’s similar to me with counter-punching and angles, but my style is adjustable and I can adapt. I’ll have a response to whatever he brings. After him, I want to go after the big boys – Sergey Kovalev and the rest. I want to fight them all.”
 
Such lofty claims bear the suggestion that Oosthuizen is breaking from old habits, and rather putting in the necessary work to realize his career-long dream.

The news is music to his opponent's ears. 

"I’m pleased to hear that he is training hard, as hopefully we will be able to deliver the fans in Monaco and those watching on television a thrilling encounter on November 7," Braehmer insists. "But no matter how hard he trains, it will not be enough to take my title!"
 
The matchup marks just the second time in his career that Braehmer will fight outside of Germany. The previous occasion resulted in his first title win, also coming against an unbeaten light heavyweight in his Aug. '09 knockout of Aleksy Kuziemski. 

Two title defenses followed before being sent to prison for 16 months due to assualt charges stemming from two separate incidents in 2008. 

Upon his release, the southpaw returned to Peter Kohl's Universum Promotions for two fights, before joining the Sauerland Event family. He has won nine in a row since joining Sauerland—beginning with a 12-round win over Eduard Gutknecht in April '13—as part of a 16-fight win streak since a 12-round loss to Hugo Garay in his first career title fight nearly seven years ago. 

On this particular occasion, Braehmer's services will be shared with veteran promoter Rodney Berman, whose Golden Gloves Promotions has put on successful shows at home in South Africa in in recent years in the luxury resort location in Monte Carlo where the November 7 show will be staged. 

"We’re delighted to be working with Rodeney Berman’s Golden Gloves to deliver fans a hotly anticipated world championship fight between Juergen Braehmer and Tommy Oosthuizen," notes Kalle Sauerland, who along with his brother Nisse currently runs the day-to-day operations at Sauerland Event. "Juergen has never shied away from a challenge and when the opportnity came for him to defend his title in Monaco he didn’t have to give it a second thought. 

"This is a chance for Juergen to further his legacy and prove once again why he is one of the top names in the light heavyweight division.’’  

Jake Donovan is the managing editor of krikya360.com.
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
Facebook Page: JakeBScene