A 25-year boxing career, which started when Roarke Knapp was aged one, is what Adones Cabalquinto will be relying on when he fights the SA hero on the “Rivalry Reloaded” tournament at Emperors Palace on December 6.
The Filipino had a decorated amateur career that saw him box all over Asia and in Australia before turning professional in 2010.
In running up a solid 26-3 record, he’s been a staple of the Philippines fight scene from the start. He’s boxed just twice overseas and professes to being nervous about the impending trip to South Africa.
He isn’t anxious about the physical challenge, but rather the unknown environment and the possibility of ending the wrong side of the judges’ decision.
He rates his combination punching and, asked about his boxing style, says “my style is to defend against his style.”
Speaking from his home in the province of Talaingod Davao Del Norte, the southpaw says his training is on track and he expects to be at peak fitness come early December.
A long-time admirer of Terry Norris, a famously big puncher, Cabalquinto rates local rival All Rivera as the toughest opponent he has ever faced. Nine years ago he surrendered his unbeaten 21-0 record in a two-round blitz, and a year later suffered the same fate in the rematch.
Although he bounced back with two good wins, he then packed his gloves away for several years while pursuing a job as a boxing trainer in Vietnam. But earlier this year he reactivated his licence and beat Manila rival Jose Ocampo.
He knows little about Knapp, but says he has watched clips on YouTube, so has a fair idea of what’s in store.
“I want to win by KO,” he says.
With 16 victories via the short route, Knapp has been served notice.
