Koopman ready for bout against Dladla
“From a young age, I knew what I wanted to do and that was to become a boxer.”
With his eighth professional fight set to be held at the end of September, Primrose resident Shervantaight Koopman is feeling prepared, confident and ready.
On September 25, Koopman, a boxer from Edenvale’s Rex Ultimate Boxing (RUB) gym, will go toe to toe against Simon Dladla in a 12-round bout for the SA Junior Middleweight title.
The fight will be part of Golden Gloves’ Triple Treat event, which will see several matches held on the evening at Emperors Palace.
The 27-year-old explained that boxing is a way of life for him.
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Growing up, Koopman spent much of his childhood visiting boxing gyms with his father, Charlton Koopman, whom he described as an inspiration and a mentor.
“My father taught me everything I know and I learned a lot from him. From a young age, I knew what I wanted to do and that was to become a boxer,” explained Koopman.
Even though his father was a huge inspiration in his life, another boxer Koopman has always looked up to is Floyd Mayweather.
“I think Mayweather is a smart and intelligent boxer and that’s what the sport is all about. You need to strike your opponent while protecting yourself.”
Although he has always been attracted to boxing, Koopman loved all types of sports from a young age to also stay fit and healthy.
He explained that being an athlete and being active is something he has always enjoyed.
At the age of 14, Koopman started his amateur boxing career and joined the Booysens Amateur Boxing Gym.
To date, his amateur record stands at 39 wins and five losses.
In 2017, Koopman was selected to represent SA in the Zone Four African Championships and participated in the SA championships later that year where he won a gold medal.
In 2018, Koopman decided to turn professional and has since accumulated a record of seven wins, five of which were secured with knockouts.
Koopman said what he enjoys most about the sport is the fact that it keeps him disciplined.
To get where he is today, Koopman had to put in countless hours in the gym and has dedicated his life to the sport.
“I eat, drink and sleep boxing. For me, everything revolves around boxing.”
Looking to the upcoming fight, Koopman said he cannot wait to get into the ring with Dladla.
“I’m feeling good, confident, excited and ready,” he highlighted.
Although Koopman is feeling confident, he is ready for anything that Dladla may throw at him.
“Although I can’t say much about our plan, me and my coach, Vusi Mtolo, have worked on a strategy and game plan for the evening.”
Mtolo said Koopman is ready for the fight against Dladla and described him as a focused boxer.
“I think Dladla is going to get a boxing lesson and Koopman will show him what real boxing is.”
As Koopman progresses through his professional career, he hopes to one day obtain a world championship title and inspire others.“I want to show people that anything is possible and that you can reach your dreams if you work hard,” he said.
Koopman gave the following tips to young boxers:
• Stay in the gym
• Work hard
• Know where you want to go and work towards it.
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