Boxers from Edenvale’s Brian Mitchell Boxing Academy are set to enthral fans when they take to the ring at Peril at the Palace on March 19 at Emperors Palace.
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This night of boxing was announced at a media briefing held at the boxing academy on January 26.
With six bouts, the fighters aim at solidifying their names in the history books as they fight against international and South African opponents.
At the media briefing only three of the six opponents were announced.
“We have six fantastic fights and a mouth-watering tournament brought to you by Golden Gloves,” said Mitchell.
Described by Mitchell as South Africa’s golden boy Edenvale’s Roarke ‘Razor Sharp’ Knapp will take centre stage in the international junior middleweight bout.
He will go 10 rounds against France’s Ahmed El Mousaoul.
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Making his debut in 2016, Roarke enters the ring with 17 fights under his belt.
Of those matches, he won 15, with 11 being knockouts and drew one losing to Brandon Thyse.
“I’m excited to fight Mousaoul and to have the opportunity to fight with some of the best in the world, proving my talent along the way.
“This is a dream come true – to fight guys from over the world, proving to myself and the people supporting me that I am one of the best.
“I believe this is another victory for myself and South Africa. Whenever I fight an opponent from overseas, it’s not just me because I am representing my country with pride and honour.”
In his last bout, Knapp stepped into the ring with Mexican Dante Jordan whom he described as a ‘come-forward fighter’ who didn’t let him breathe.
Judges scored the fight 97-92,97-92 and 96-93 in favour of the Edenvale fighter.
In future, Knapp said his motivation is fighting international boxers.
Defending champion of the South African junior middleweight title and Germiston resident Shervantaaigh Koopman will face Jackson Kaptein of Bloemfontein.
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Kaptein previously knocked out Koopman’s stablemate, Phikelani ‘Stinger’ Khumalo.
“Kaptein looked impressive in his last fight but I am ready for him. Last year was a bit of a setback for me due to an injury but I am here now and getting ready.”
Koopman will be entering the ring with a record of 10-0 with seven knockouts under his belt.
On the night Ricardo Malajika, ‘the Magic Man’ will face the Philippine’s Adrian Lerasan in eight rounds.
He has a record of 12 fights and 10 wins and two losses.
“To be honest it’s about time, that the champion has to prove himself to everybody. I believe this is my time and I’m going to take it to shine.”
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“I can’t wait for Lerasan to come and all to see the magic in the ring.”
Trainer and coach Vusi Mtolo described the boxers under his care as family and believes it forms part of the gym’s success.
“Thank you to the boxers for listening to my story. We are here and winning fights because you are listening to my advice.”
“You always respect me and I respect you. Boxing is about respect, without it you won’t go anywhere.”
Other fighters who will also fight on the night, but whose opponents are yet to be announced include Keanu Koopman, Gerhard Thysse and Michael Head.
Koopman will be fighting four rounds for the welterweight title while Thyse and Head will also go four rounds in light heavyweight bouts.
Knapp said last year was a warm-up.
“All our fighters performed and we showed South Africa what we are capable of,” said Knapp.
“Uncle Brian said we will be the best gym in the country and I believe we already are and now we are coming for the world.”
