Rohan Daté considering weight change as title shot looms

The power Rohan Daté [6(5)-0-1] possesses was back on the agenda this week after the Waterford man became the quickest fighter ever to stop Innocent Anyanwu.

Granted, considering the stage he is at in terms of his career, a win over the former BeNeLux champ always was expected.

However, the well-traveled 40 year old is equally expected to be durable and provide a test, something Daté was aware of going into Saturday’s fight in Southsea considering the ‘Little Big Man’ upset a 14-0 gym mate of his.

Daté made little of a fighter who has gone the distance with Jake Hanney and Ray Moylette’s and was stopped in the sixth by Anto Upton.

Indeed, due to his punching power, Daté didn’t get the test expected.

The 25-year-old took out Anyanwu before the bell to end the second round and registered as much of a statement as you can against the fighter who is not quite gate keeper yet not quite journey man.

It’s another display of the damage the welterweight prospect can do with his fists and. when questioned on it. he claims their is a gifted element to his ability to hurt opponents, but also some technical skill required.

“The power is God given but the placement of the punches is worked on,” Date explained to Irish-Boxing.com in the simplest terms before indicating that while people are discussing it now that power has always been there.

“If I could go back and have it all on record how many people I knocked out and stopped as an amateur it would be great! I have small clips everywhere of me knocking guys out and I must find out where my amateurs books are, I think I had three altogether, they’d make for some great reading!”

On the Dutch-based Nigerian, Daté claims he knew he couldn’t take victory for granted but suggests, Anyanwu, who loses out on some scheduled pay days by being stopped, tasted the power and lost hope.

The Déise puncher described how “he’s pushed on in years but had more scheduled bouts for 2018 and so I know he wasn’t expecting to be KO’d as he rarely is.”

“I had seen him in with a number of top lads in the UK and gave them problems in certain rounds. But I believe once people feel the power they really lose all hope. I was well warned about him as he did knock out someone from our gym with a 14-0 record [Florin Cardos] so I am learning that no fight is to be taken for granted.”

Daté is aware the weight behind his punches can prove a fight winner for him but is smart enough to know that you need a lot more than just raw power as you move up the ranks. He also believes he is best served staying as light as possible to make the most of his dig and hinted at a move to 140lbs.

“I know there is a massive step up to world level and feel my power would be better used at light welter once I reach a higher level,” he continue.

“You really do need all the advantages down at your lowest possible weight while being highly competitive.”

After quenching the thirst for knowledge with regard to his notable power, Daté revealed he now wants a title date.

The Manchester-born fighter, who has fought in the UAE as well as back home, now fights out of England which gives him title options.

“Southern Area and Celtic titles for now,” he outlined.

“If there are other options I’ll take them but I have a really good team right now who are planning my career carefully and my fortunate circumstances place of birth, nationality, and residency make me eligible for a number of titles and belts.”