Knap ready for the future
“Knap has respect for the sport and for other boxers, which is good because he will continue to learn new techniques and become a better boxer.”
Meadowdale resident and boxer Roarke Knap is still set on taking the South African boxing world by storm.
Since the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS (the GCN’s sister newspaper) last met with the junior middleweight boxer in January last year, the 20-year-old boxer has changed things up in his pursuit of becoming a SA boxing icon.
He most recently signed with Golden Gloves promoters and started training at Hot Box Gym as a full-time boxer.
Knap said the decision to move gyms was nothing personal but rather a choice to grow as a boxer.
He moved after visiting the United Kingdom in August.
“Going over to the UK was a great learning experience. While there I saw a different level and world of boxing,” said Knap.
“There is supreme boxing talent in SA, but overseas the sport is handled more professionally.”
Despite it always being Knap’s dream to box in the UK, he said he decided to return home to be with his family and friends.
“I had always wanted to move to the UK and box overseas, so when I saw the opportunity I took it,” said Knap.
“To be honest I struggled being away from my family and my friends and I just missed being in South Africa.”
Since moving over to Hot Box Gym, Knap has been under the mentorship of Vusi Mtolo, who has 20 years of boxing experience behind him.
Mtolo said things with Knap are going well and look promising.
“Knap has respect for the sport and for other boxers, which is good because he will continue to learn new techniques and become a better boxer,” said Mtolo.
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“If Knap keeps going the way he is now he could become a world champion.”
Knap believes by fighting under Golden Gloves his boxing career will expand and he will grow as a sportsman.
To date, Knap has six wins, zero losses and one draw.
“Golden Gloves is affiliated to countless champions, so for me it was a no-brainer. They are one of the best promoters in the country,” said Knap.
Knap said while with Golden Gloves he will have more fights and will get more exposure on SuperSport and at Emperors Palace.
On February 24 Knap is set to face off against an opponent at Emperors Palace.
“At the moment a fight has been planned, but I will find out whom I am fighting closer to the time.”
Knap said although he hopes to become a boxing legend and a household name, he still has plans to assist the community.
One of the ideas he has in mind is working in close partnership with organisations against bullying.
Knap said even if organisations are not involved in anti-bullying projects they are more than welcome to contact him through his manager, Marco Luis, on 082 578 9229.
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