Edenvale Boxer takes international title

Edenvale boxer Roarke Knapp walked away with an international boxing title after he went head-to-head with SA boxing champion Simon Dladla.

The fighters faced off on December 19 at Emperors Palace during the December Detonation.

Knapp, a super welter division fighter weighing in at 69.4kg, beat Dladla in just over two minutes to claim the International Boxing Organisation title.

Manager of Knapp, Marco Luis, said he was already on his feet celebrating Knapp’s victory while Dladla was falling to the mat.

“I was clapping like I was at the opera or something. I was so proud of Roarke, he has come such a long way.”

Smiling ear from ear at the Ultimate Fitness Centre in Edenvale CBD, Roarke said it felt amazing after he was awarded the title.

“This is my first world title. I am just a kid from Edenvale.

“Marco always told me that could change my destiny and make anything possible, I never truly believed it but after winning the match and the tittle I have become more confident.”

Knapp, who has 11 wins (nine of which are knockouts), one loss, and one draw said when he lost his match in August it lit a fire under him.

“I had the date of the match tattooed onto my hand. Now whenever I punch someone with my right hand, I hit them with the motivation of wanting to win and wanting to be a better fighter.”

Roarke said although he has grown as a boxer he remains an Edenvale resident to his heart.

“I will never be too big for Edenvale, my best friend has a shop on Third Street. I’m always hanging around there.”

He thanked his family, friends, coach Vusi Mtolo, from Hotbox Gym and sponsors for their support and dedication through the journey.

Marco said although Knapp beat Dladla, he is not the SA champion as Dladla did not put the SA champion belt on the line when the pair fought.