images: Mkuu Amani / pmedialive
Andrew Robinson sealed the 24th win of his pro career with a sizzling victory over Eric Nwankwo at Walsall Town Hall last Saturday night.
In just his fourth appearance at the ever popular Walsall venue, ‘D’Animal’ took just under six minutes to end the contest in round two with a vicious left-right combination that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas.
Nwankwo, with the aid of the ropes, managed to climb back to his feet but by the time he was upright the referee had already waved it off. Despite his protests it was clear that the Portsmouth based boxer was on unsteady legs as his corner-men entered the ring to guide him to his stool.
Prior to the KO it had been a very game showing from the Nigerian born Nwankwo. A few times during the first round he showed off a potent looking left hook and with some good head movement and his constantly busy footwork he’d given an early impression that he was well equipped for the occasion.
However, Robinson’s high guard remained tight and tough throughout. He launched himself into the fight from the opening bell and remained on the front foot, stalking his quarry relentlessly and scoring consistently with his crisp jabs and some biting combinations that he switched seamlessly from head to body.
Despite getting caught on occasion by the Nwankwo counter it was a near pristine performance by the popular Redditch middleweight who is now rated at No 5 in the UK, 18th in the Commonwealth and at No 74 in the world by BoxRec.
Robinson has held the Midlands Area Super Middleweight and IBO Continental Middleweight Titles. His current win streak, a run that has seen him seal victories in his last three bouts, marks an impressive return since his last defeat, a sixth round stoppage at the hands of Mark Heffron in their WBC International Middleweight clash last September.
Just ahead of last Saturday’s victory Robinson took a short time out and speaking to BCB Promotions said, “People think I’m a tough guy because I beat people in the ring and I am definitely focused on pummelling them when I step on that canvas but they’d probably be shocked to learn outside of it I’m a family man – a real teddy bear where my kids are concerned.
“I’ve sacrificed everything to make it in this sport. I missed my babies’ first steps, their school plays and their swimming lessons but it’s all been so that I can provide for them and give them a good life and a Dad they can be proud of.”
Robinson admitted that at times the life of a boxer is a lonely one but he says he doesn’t regret that day at the age of 18 that he walked into Lions Gym in Dudley with friends and discovered he had a talent with his fists.
“I came late to it,” he said. “I wasn’t one of those boxers who start at the age of eight or nine. I was 18 and had previously been a power builder.
“Of the four mates that I joined the gym with in Dudley I was the only one who stuck it out even though it was two and half hours there and back every day from my home in Redditch.
“I’d watch my heroes like Larry Holmes and Mike Tyson and use their inspiration to encourage me in the ring.”
The fighter is fiercely proud of his Birmingham routes and a career which now boasts 24 wins out of 29 – seven by KO
He added: “I did eight years as an amateur and didn’t turn pro until I was 27. I’m 34 now and people say the clock is ticking but not for me. I feel good and sharper than ever and I feel like I can go on and on.”
There have been struggles but Robinson insisted that boxing was his saviour and a sport he’d recommend to any youngsters trying to make their way out of a rut.
“It’s not been easy,” he said. “I’ve been robbed on the road and I’ve had days mentally when I have felt I can’t go on but I wouldn’t change this life.
“Boxing provides a great discipline, a great drive – ask any boxer and they’ll probably say the sport saved them from jail or even ending up dead.
“This is the path I’ve chosen and all the sacrifices I’ve made – missing out on seeing my kids growing up because I’m always in the gym – will be worth it when I walk in the door with that belt.”
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