Knapp returns to action at Emperors Palace in September

One of South Africa’s most exciting young fighters, Roarke Knapp from Edenvale, returns to action at Emperor’s Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday 2 September 2023 when he meets the capable Przemyslaw Zysk from Poland in a 10-round junior middleweight fight.

In the co-feature, Ricardo Malajika faces Kevin Luis Munoz in a clash for the vacant IBO junior bantamweight title.

The 31-year-old Zysk made his pro debut on 25 June 2016 and has compiled a record of 18-1; 6. With only six wins inside the distance in 120 rounds, he is not known as a big puncher.

Zysk has fought mostly in Poland and his only defeat came in his most recent fight against the experienced Sam Eggington (31-7) in a clash for the vacant IBO junior middleweight title in Coventry, England on 22 June last year, losing on points over 12 rounds.

Eggington has held the European Boxing Union, WBC International, Commonwealth and British welterweight titles.

The taller Zysk has won against Tomi Silvennoinen, who travelled to South Africa in 2021 and was stopped in the 10th round by Brandon Thysse.

Knapp, 25, has compiled a record of 16-1-1; 11 since making his pro debut in May 2016 and the only blots on his record are a draw over eight rounds against Eric Kapia and a loss to Brandon Thysse (ko 7) in November 2019.

However, he beat Thysse on a split decision in a return fight. It is on the cards that the aggressive Knapp will win on points over 10 rounds.

MALAJIKA FIGHTS FOR VACANT IBO TITLE

On the same card, South Africa’s Ricardo Malajika (11-2; 9) meets Kevin Luis Munoz (16-1; 6) from Argentina in a clash for the vacant IBO junior featherweight title.

This could prove a competitive clash for the two 24-year-olds, which could go to a points decision either way.

The tournament is presented by Golden Gloves Promotions.