Irish boxer dropped in sparring – uploads video of knockdown
In boxing, a lot of weight is placed on sparring stories.
Indeed, probably too much heed is given to such stories.
Boxers may be at different stages of camp, be in different weights, be holding back, or may be looking to focus on just one aspect of their game in a given spar.
Therefore, the old adage of ‘sparring is sparring’ still holds true.
One fighter who does not worry about spars is Waterford welterweight Rohan Daté [4(3)-0].
The Dubai-based prospect turned 25 today and, after some birthday treats, was in the gym this afternoon.
Daté got into the ring with heavy-hitting Iranian heavyweight Mo Ali Bayat [12(12)-1(1)-1] for a move-around and was caught to the ribs with an instinct shot by the Persian power-puncher.
The Irish fighter, who scored an eye-catching stoppage win over Jade Karam in February, was understandably forced to touch down to catch his breath and would resume the spar afterwards.
Understanding he wasn’t in prime condition and was facing a fighter several stone heavier than him, Daté saw the funny side and was assured enough in himself and his talents to post the clip to social media.
It was a refreshing move from the Déise boxer who saw a fight date in Oman fall through last week just days out.
Daté returns to the ring on Friday June 22nd against Joseph Sinkala at the Shangri-La Hotel in Muscat, Oman.
