In a spectacular fusion of sports and entertainment, French boxer Bakary Samaké successfully defended his WBC Silver super-welterweight title against South African Roarke Knapp at Paris La Défense Arena on April 18, 2025. The fight, which served as the opening act for a concert by rapper Gazo, drew an impressive crowd of approximately 30,000 spectators, marking a unique event that combined boxing with live music.
At just 21 years old, Samaké showcased his prowess in the ring, achieving a knockout victory in the 8th round. The decisive moment came when he delivered a powerful left hook to Knapp's liver, followed by another left hook to the head, sending the South African crashing to the canvas. This victory solidified Samaké's record to an unblemished 18 wins in as many fights, with 10 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
Before the bout, Bakary Samaké was ranked 15th in the world according to BoxRec, and he has been recognized as one of the rising stars in French boxing. His journey to this title defense began in November 2024 when he claimed the WBC Silver belt from Australian Wade Ryan in Paris. The victory over Knapp not only retained his title but also reinforced his position in the highly competitive super-welterweight division, which is currently dominated by American champions Sebastian Fundora (WBC and WBO) and Terrence Crawford (WBA).
As he entered the arena shortly before 8 PM, Samaké was greeted by a roaring crowd chanting, "Ici, c'est Bakary!"—a nod to the famous slogan of Paris Saint-Germain, "Ici, c'est Paris." Accompanied by rapper Mac Tyer, the atmosphere was electric as the young boxer made his way to the ring, setting the tone for an unforgettable night.
Initially, Samaké faced challenges with Knapp's jab, which disrupted his rhythm in the early rounds. However, as the fight progressed, Samaké began to find his footing, gradually increasing his offensive output. By the 5th round, it was clear that he was wearing down his opponent, who was ranked 20th by the WBC. Despite a spirited effort from Knapp, the Frenchman’s relentless pressure paid off, culminating in the knockout that sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Reflecting on his performance, Samaké expressed confidence, stating, "I knew I was going to finish around that time. I just had to take my time and let my boxing flow, simply." His victory was not only a personal triumph but also a significant moment for boxing in France, as it was part of a groundbreaking event that combined a boxing match with a major concert.
"It was an incredible energy, it was hot, it was madness," Samaké exclaimed, clearly thrilled by the unique atmosphere of the evening. He acknowledged the significance of the event, noting, "A night like this happens once. You can't mix everything. Boxing is boxing." After securing his victory, the ring was swiftly dismantled to make way for Gazo's performance, which was highly anticipated following Samaké's electrifying fight.
The event was hailed as a world first, blending the worlds of boxing and music in a way that had never been done before. The ring was set up in the pit of Europe’s largest concert hall, a venue that regularly hosts major artists like Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney. The innovative approach aimed to shine a spotlight on boxing, attracting a younger audience to the sport.
As the audience eagerly awaited Gazo's concert, it was evident that the boxing match had successfully engaged the crowd, many of whom were experiencing professional boxing for the first time. Axel, a 19-year-old Parisian student, remarked, "It was a good initiative to start with a boxing match before the concert. It gets you excited and moving while waiting for the show to begin." This sentiment echoed throughout the arena as fans chanted and cheered for Samaké, creating an atmosphere unlike any other in boxing history.
After the fight, amid celebrations with fans, family, and supporters, Samaké underwent a doping control backstage. He expressed his desire to savor the moment, saying, "I’m going to listen a bit to the concert and then go eat something good and rest well. It was a magnificent evening. I’ve been boxing for 13 years, and this is a small achievement, the fruit of my work. The crowd carried me, and I hope to experience this kind of atmosphere again one day, but not necessarily with a concert. This was a first, and it should remain a first."
Bakary's father, Issa, who also serves as his trainer and promoter, shared his pride in his son's ability to handle the immense pressure of fighting in front of such a large crowd. "There was definitely pressure and tension boxing in front of almost 40,000 people. What happened tonight is unprecedented. But he managed it, and that’s not something everyone can do. He’s only 21 years old, and French boxing has been waiting for someone like him for a long time. I would like to see him fight in Levallois, a legendary venue for boxing, before he makes his mark in the United States in 2026. He has shown he is ready to compete for a world title," Issa said.
As the evening concluded with Gazo taking the stage, Bakary Samaké's knockout victory and the historic event left a lasting impression on all in attendance, marking a new chapter for boxing in France.
