Dave Roelvink faced off against Melvin Manhoef at the much-anticipated Boxing Influencers event on Sunday night, but the reality star and social media influencer suffered a heavy defeat. The match, which was upscaled to an official world title fight by Inspire Championship Boxing (ICB), saw Roelvink pushed to his limits as he stepped inside the ring against the experienced kickboxing veteran, Manhoef.
Anticipation surrounded the bout as spectators compared it to other high-profile matchups, setting the stage for what was hoped to become an iconic moment for influencer boxing. Initially, both fighters approached the match cautiously, but the tide turned dramatically just minutes later.
After surviving the first round, Roelvink fell victim to Manhoef’s earth-shattering punches. The second round saw the seasoned fighter connecting with powerful blows, and Roelvink found himself on the canvas three times. Despite demonstrating resilience by getting back up twice after knockdowns, the third hit left him unable to continue the fight, prompting the referee to stop the contest.
The commentary during the bout added to the moment, with former kickboxer Remy Bonjasky stating, “It was short but powerful,” capturing the fight’s abrupt nature and Roelvink’s struggle against his larger opponent.
Reflecting on the outcome, Roelvink displayed admirable sportsmanship. “You were not just one, but two sizes too big for me,” he admitted to Manhoef, acknowledging the experience gap between them. Despite the crushing defeat, he maintained composure, proudly stating, “Last year I was still in rehab, and now I’m fighting here.”
On social media post-fight, Roelvink shared his feelings with his followers, expressing, “I felt like shit. This wasn’t according to plan. But yeah, shit happens. What can you do?” His candid response showcased the disappointment he felt, but also his determination to move forward.
Conversely, Manhoef revealed to reporters after the fight, “I saw stars twice!” sharing his experience of being briefly stunned during the match. Yet, he displayed respect and empathy for his opponent, encouraging Roelvink to take pride in his efforts against such fierce competition.
This fight not only represented the personal battle within the ring but also highlighted Roelvink’s resilience and his commitment to stepping out of his comfort zone, especially after overcoming personal struggles. The expectations surrounding the event made the loss feel even heavier, particularly as the outcome meant losing not only the battle but also the title.
The ICB’s designation of the match as for the official world title brought heightened pressure to both competitors, and Roelvink no doubt felt the weight of those expectations when faced against Manhoef’s expertise. “I wouldn’t have taken this challenge if I knew I was going to get pounded like this,” he had expressed prior to the fight, casting light on the hopes he held before entering the ring.
Nevertheless, there is no denying the impact of the event on both fighters. For Roelvink, this experience pushes him to improve, refine his skills, and potentially seek redemption. For Manhoef, the victory adds another feather to his illustrious career, reinforcing his reputation as one of the strong athletic forces within the combat sports arena.
While the bout did not end as Roelvink had planned, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of boxing and the unique platform provided by influencer events. Such occasions not only entertain but also challenge fighters, bringing them closer to their histories both inside and outside the ring.
