Boxing action returns to Emperors Palace

Boxing action returns to Emperors Palace near Kempton Park on Saturday 15 June in a bumper tournament headed by South Africa’s Roarke Knapp from Edenvale in against Jorge Garcia Perez for the vacant IBO junior middleweight title.

The 26-year-old Knapp (17-1-1; 12) is one of South Africa’s most exciting young fighters and faces a tough challenge when he meets the more experienced 27–year-old Mexican, Perez (29-4; 24).

Knapp made his pro debut on 27 August 2016 and won his first fight inside the distance before fighting to a draw with Eric Kapia Mukadi.

Winning his next three fights in style, he suffered his first loss when he was knocked out by Brandon Thysse in a slam bang affair.

Knapp then won his next four fights in style before gaining revenge against Brandon Thysse, winning on points over 12 rounds and claiming the African Boxing Union Africa junior middleweight title.

He won his next two fights and in his most recent fight in September last year he was most impressive in winning inside the distance against the rugged Przemyslaw Zysk (13-1).

All four of Perez’ losses have been on split decisions and in his most recent fight in February this year he smashed Abraham Juarez (17-1-1) to defeat in one round.

This could an exciting affair, with Knapp earning a hard-earned points victory and the IBO title.

UNDERCARD

10 ROUNDS – IBO INTER CONTINENTAL JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE

Shervantaigh Koopman v (South Africa) v Wendy Toussaint (US)

8 ROUNDS – HEAVYWEIGHT

Chris Thompson (Gauteng) v Juan Roux (Cape Town)

8 ROUNDS STRAWWEIGHT

Beaven Sibanda (Zimbabwe) v Siphamandla Baleni (E.C}

4 ROUNDS - LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT

Bryan Thysse v Sanele Mbatha

6 ROUNDS- BANTAMWEIGHT

Charlton Malajika v Arnel Lubisi