Koopman ready for clash against Makondo

Junior middleweight boxer Shervontaigh Koopman is making his mark in the boxing ring.

The 26-year-old from Primrose is preparing for his clash against Junior Makondo on December 20 at Emperors Palace.

He will be going up against Makondo in the junior middleweight division.

He said he is looking forward to his fight.

“It has been a difficult year for everyone. The pandemic really challenged us as sportsmen but we are happy that we are now able to get back to doing what we do best. I’m looking forward to the fight and just being back in the ring,” said Koopman.

The boxer said this year was a setback on the goals he had set out for himself.

“I’m hoping in 2021 I will be more active and work my way to a South African title,” said Koopman.

The junior middleweight boxer has been keeping fit during the lockdown by following a strict diet and exercising at home.

“My dad is a former boxer and my personal trainer. He made sure I stayed fit. My fitness level was not compromised even though I was not in the ring,” said Koopman.

The young boxer was introduced to boxing by his father at the age of 14 and he always returned to the ring since then.

“The first time my dad took me to the boxing gym, I knew exactly that it was what I wanted to do and 12 years later I still have the same love for boxing,” said Koopman.

His love for the sport is due to his appreciation of the discipline it instills.

Koopman currently has five fight wins, four by knockout, under his belt.

“I want to be a world champion and for me to reach that goal, I need to continue improving myself during every fight,” said Koopman.