Ball v Robinson is a barnstormer for title

Poster for the big fight which will be shown live on DAZN

THE countdown to Danny Ball’s deserved English title fight has been problematic and difficult.

The welter blessed with true KO power was to have faced Anthony Tomlinson in Dudley on March 17.

Tomlinson, however, was forced to pull out of the 10 rounder with a damaged hand. The golden opportunity was offered to another fighter, but he turned it down.

Danny, a former British title challenger, will now face Jamie Robinson for the vacant belt at Manchester Arena on May 27.

For Robinson, born in Harlow, based in Derbyshire, the opportunity is quick reward for his third round destruction of Ben Fields last month.

That was a performance to make fans and promoters sit up and taken notice. Robinson – 15-5-2 – did what no one has done before. He stopped Digbeth’s Fields, a man never stopped before.

What we now have, in Ball v Robinson, is a truly explosive encounter between two big hitters. It’s going to be some battle.

Danny, aged 26, has taken the change in opposition in his stride.

He posted on facebook: “Frustrating couple of weeks. Tomlinson broke his hand, another fighter accepted the fight then didn’t fancy it. Now we have a lad coming of the back end of a victory with a 3rd round KO.

“Makes no difference to me. It’s still gonna be the same outcome – Team Ball victory.”

 I got to know Robinson during the build-up to the Fields fight. He’s a likeable lad with a wicked sense of humour…outside the ring.

 He told fans: “I am buzzing to announce I am boxing for then English title at the AO Arena in Manchester on Saturday, May 27.

“Firstly I would like to thank my manager Scott Calow for getting me this opportunity. A massive thank you to Eddie Hearn at Matchroom Boxing and DAZN Boxing for giving me this opportunity on a massive stage.

“I can’t wait to grab this opportunity with both hands and become English Champion! Roll on.”

 Ball’s bid for the British title ended painfully.

He was stopped in seven by champ Ekow Essuman, suffering a double jaw fracture in the process.

At the brutal conclusion of the 2021 contest, Ball was forced to take the full count with blood spilling from his mouth. That remains his only loss in 14 fights – and the stats include a very creditable, hotly contested draw with Kaisee Benjamin who fights for the European light-welter title on Saturday.

He also demolished tough and usually durable Mason Cartwright for the WBC silver belt. Danny was a comprehensive underdog for that one.

The Kingswinford hope has dusted himself off after that loss, picking up two low key wins.