One of the best-known cut men in professional boxing, Walter Knieps, was the guest of honor at the 161st celebrity get-together of Dortmund Boxing 20/50.
Knieps, the co-trainer and physiotherapist from Bad-Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, spent two full hours entertaining the almost 40 participants, including boxing coach Dieter Weinand, former professional boxer Manfred Schlesinger, senior athletics world champion Clemens Wittig, caricaturist Klaus Pfauter and his wife, as well as the well-known Englishman Barry Walker. The regulars’ table took place in the “Menne Heinig Haus” at Hombruchsfeld 71 in Dortmund-Renninghausen.
Walter Knieps, who has treated the wounds of Markus Beyer, Sven Ottke, Henry Maske, Axel Schulz, Arthur Abraham, Marco Huck, Zsolt Erdei, Regina Halmich and many others in the ring, told of many personal experiences and encounters. You could rely on him, he knew his trade. The many boxing world champions trusted the therapist and training expert.
He had a good relationship with the successful coaches Manfred Wolke, Ulli Wegner and Fritz Sdunek, among others. His supportive, organizational skills were known to all.
Bitter moment
In the summer of 2021, the cut man had to endure a low blow when the devastating flood in the Ahr valley hit him hard. His own boxing gym was completely destroyed by the water. Many personal memories were lost forever. The guests listened intently and asked interesting questions.
The two DBS chairmen Dieter Schumann and Rolf Thielmann presented Knieps with the regulars’ table decoration certificate, a pair of signed golden boxing gloves and the new DBS T-shirt. Finally, the exciting Stammtisch evening was brought to a close with a gong and a loud three-fold “Ring frei”. The next voting table will take place on 27.11.24 at the same location.
Best regards and clear the ring!
Dieter Schumann