Arminius Rolle, Germany’s youngest professional boxer at the age of 15, will be fighting again on October 3 in Hamburg at “Boxen im Norden”. A TV documentary about the ambitious scion of a Berlin boxing family has also been released.
Now it’s out: Arminius Rolle, Germany’s youngest professional boxer, is back in the ring. For his second professional fight. In Hamburg on St. Pauli in the “Große Freiheit 36” at “Boxen im Norden”. On October 3, the German national holiday. And that’s not all: the 15-year-old super talent is the main protagonist of a one-hour TV documentary. A cinematic portrait of a young career – full of scenes, full of emotions, full of information.
Good figure on canvas
The film begins like this: the view into the dark universe is deep, two, three, four planets rush past, shatter, clear the view of the earth, the zoom falls on a country, a glaring spotlight on Germany. And, the message: boxing has produced big names in this country. Another could be given a permanent place in the gallery of virtuoso champions. Making history. Not immediately, in a few years. One thing is clear, according to the dramatic title of the documentary: “The campaign has begun.”
What does the man at the center of the production (by KucabFilm) say? “Just a few months ago, it was unthinkable for me to see my own documentary about myself, just great,” says Arminus Rolle in an interview with BOXSPORT. All the relevant stages of his sporting career are presented in a classic visual storytelling format. Even passages from chess boxing, as the protagonist is also a double world champion in this dual discipline. In short, the film is a kind of cinematic calling card for the model boy from Rudow in Berlin-Neukölln; about someone who has already made a few headlines.
A thrill: standing in the ring with the pros as a teenager – is that even possible, is it allowed? With a special permit from the Association of German Professional Boxers (BDB), yes. Logically, and with the consent of the parents. However, the conditions are strict. According to the BDB, the boy is allowed two professional fights a year. At most. He also had to box in front of association officials, carefully examined by doctors. Result: everything was fine!
Debut with flying colors
Arminius had already demonstrated that everything is top notch on May 10. In Halle an der Saale in Saxony-Anhalt. At the fight night “Die Nacht, die kracht”, organized by Uwe Schuster and his Commander Box Promotion. A dress rehearsal, a show fight, which the ambitious youngster won on points.
Three weeks later, he made his official debut at the “Boxclub 1. FCN Warriors Night” in Nuremberg. At welterweight up to 67 kilograms. A fight scheduled for four rounds. His opponent Constantin Albrecht, 22, also a debutant, also a chess boxer. But without a chance. Athletically, physically, mentally – and above all in terms of boxing. The young Rolle dominated the duel from the center of the ring, stood stable, acted from a secure double guard, advanced explosively, landed clear and hard hands. The result: a technical knockout in round two.
Punch with brains
That convinced Thomas Nissen. “Arminius is a great kid,” the promoter of “Boxen im Norden” told BOXSPORT. A scion of a well-known Berlin sports family. “Boxing is in their blood.” Father, trainer, manager and mentor Robert Rolle was IBF European light heavyweight champion; mother Eva Rolle was the first German female promoter. Arminius is not only a talented athlete, emphasizes Nissen, but also an ace at school. As one of the best in his class at an elite grammar school. However, he is not an aloof nerd; no, the teenager has both feet on the ground. Stable with his 1.80 meter height.
Arminius is currently fighting at light-welterweight, but is expected to move up to middleweight in the coming years, predicts Nissen. “We are very proud that Arminius and Robert Rolle have deliberately chosen us for ‘Boxen im Norden’.” A really strong German lad from the capital, “you rarely see someone like that”.
Milestone and new chapter
For the Rolles, the appearance at “Große Freiheit 36” on October 3 is a milestone. Or as Robert Rolle says when asked by BOXSPORT: “A big stage for Arminius.” And above all: the fact that serious promoters like Thomas Nissen are interested in his protégé proves one thing: his son is taken seriously and valued. He can present himself in front of a knowledgeable audience and prove his class. In a clinch over a maximum of six rounds.
And the “German boxing prodigy” from the professional circuit leaves no doubt about that: “I’ll be mega fit on the Kiez in St. Pauli, wow the crowd with my fighting style – and decide the fight for myself, go for the knockout, no doubt about it.” Translated: Arminius Rolle is working on new film sequences for another chapter in his “campaign” story.
Text: Oliver Rast