Jamie: a tale of grit and true courage

Jamie Robinson…refused to bow to cancer

ON Saturday, Black Country banger Danny Ball gets his long-awaited crack at the English welterweight title.

In the opposite corner at Manchester Arena will be Jamie Robinson, who stepped into the breach when original opponent Anthony Tomlinson was forced to pull out with a damaged hand.

Robinson – Harlow born, Derbyshire based – has already shown fans in Birmingham and Black Country how dangerous he is.

Last month he did the seemingly impossible: Jamie KOd Digbeth’s Ben Fields, a man with a chin of granite.

Now, the full scale of the 31-year-old’s fighting spirit, courage and heart can be revealed.

Jamie has already won the biggest fight of his life – against cancer.

Of course, we’ll be rooting for our lad, Danny. But you have to applaud Robinson for his journey. He was told he’d never box again, but is now fighting for a top title.

He posted on facebook: “Four years ago I had testicular cancer. I got told by doctors I wasn’t going to be able to box again. Imagine getting told everything you’ve ever wanted and dreamed about and kept you on the straight and narrow in life would be taken away from you.

 “Without no boxing there is no life for me, this is all I’ve know and done in my life. I remember sitting with my missus, after telling everyone I was fine with too much pride.

“I didn’t want to show no weakness. The tears just started streaming, I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

“I left the place and sat in the car and cried properly for the first time about it. Before this I can’t remember the last time I cried as I struggled to show emotions, but me and my missus sat there and I told her everything.

“All I wanted was to box again. Without being told I had the all clear from cancer and was able to box by neurosurgeons, I was back in the gym working and doing all I knew and what made me happy.

“Two months after my operation I got the all clear from cancer. Four years on I’m boxing for the English title on a massive platform in an arena - something I’ve dreamt about since being six-years-old.

“On May 27, I am going to make history and become the first testicular cancer survivor to become English champion.

“I’ve waited a long time for this moment and I’m grabbing it with both hands. I’m literally living the dream.”

Jamie, you are an inspiration. Birmingham and Black Country fans salute you.