Rohan Daté aiming to make knockout statement versus durable foe

Rohan Daté [4(3)-0] is more patient than you’d think.

The UAE-based Waterford welter looks a man in the hurry. He certainly is a ‘you don’t get paid for over time’ advocate and, despite some falling through, he more often than not has a fight date in the pipeline. Indeed, the 25-year-old is scheduled to fight seven days apart in June.

It’s a ploy often used by fighters trying to fast-track their way into title contention, but Daté argues that is not the case with regard to his June 16th ‘Celtic Clash 6’ appearance and his subsequent June 22nd Muscat clash.

Daté is comfortable in the knowledge that he has time on his side and reveals the quick-fire fight dates is more to do with his tendency to register early stoppages – meaning two fight dates is the best way to bank some rounds.

“I’m definitely not in a hurry right now I think I have a long career ahead of me as long as I am enjoying it the way I am now,” Daté told Irish-Boxing.com.

“I am taking two fights back-to-back as I just want to keep the momentum going. I think there’s going to be more early knockouts ahead so having another fight lined up is something that would have suited clearly after my last fight.”

Daté, a noted puncher in the amateurs, has growing confidence in his power relative to the other 147lbers in Ireland.

The Dubai-based fighter has recently been sparring with Olympian Anthony Fowler and explained how “some of my recent sparring partners have mentioned my power and that’s the boost I need to really believe in my power.”

One of a number of Déise fighters on the scene at present is set for a durable opponent when he fights at Good Counsel GAA Club next month.

However, Daté, who recorded an eye-catching first-round stoppage win over Cork South African Jade Karam last time out, sees a solid opponent as an opportunity to make a statement rather than a chance to bank rounds.

Angel Emilov [7(3)-19(2)] has caused some upsets and troubled some good prospects. Indeed, he has only been stopped by Sam Maxwell and fellow Bulgarian Stiliyan Kostov in the ninth of a 12-round title fight.

Music to Date’s ears who described how “it looks like my fight in Dublin will be against a very durable opponent who has only been put down by an ex-GB squad member.”

“So I think this makes a statement now if I can do the same if not one better,” he added before revealing his thoughts on the ‘get rounds’ scenario.

“The rounds will come and when they do I will adapt and change my style as I’m training for everyday. If right now I can take them out early I will.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)