Robinson: ‘Quitting the game is scary’
Retirement looms for Andrew Robinson. Pic: MSN Images/BCB
THE game will miss Andrew Robinson, a true warrior who featured in his share of epics and suffered more than his share of bad breaks.
At the age of 39, the muscled, menacing Birmingham middle rolled the dice for the final time for home fans on Saturday.
On BCB’s show at Birmingham Conference Centre, “D’Animal” whitewashed Robbie Chapman over four rounds, 40-36 on Chris Dean’s cards.
The Londoner, with 11 wins in 56 fights (seven draws), always seemed destined to give “D’Animal” a victorious send-off.
After 40 contests (eight losses) Robinson wants one more big fight on the road before hanging up his gloves.
That will bring to an end a roller-coaster ride that has seen the father-of-three gain Midlands and IBO Continental titles, fight for the Lonsdale Belt and travel to Poland to become the first man to break the long unbeaten run of Damian Jonak.
Robinson will be remembered as a strong, relentless contender with a gladiator’s courage. He’d wade through pain to dole out punishment.
Why has he chosen to retire?
“When I thought about carrying on there were more ‘no’s’ than ‘yes’s’,” the devout Christian told me.
“It’s scary because it’s all I know, that’s the life I live. It’s my kids, my missus – having time with them, going on holiday, seeing relatives abroad who I didn’t have time to see before. I’m nearly 40 and had 40 pro fights, I’ve seen a lot and done a lot.
“I know I’ll be alright because I have a successful electrical company. I’m just too busy to be a trainer, but I’ll stay in the gym.
“I’m still medicaled until next February, but that was my last small hall fight. I can’t get ‘up’ for them.
“I’d love to sign off against (former British champ) Denzel Bentley because we were meant to fight years ago and it never happened. He went on to do what I should’ve done, but you can’t be jealous.”
Robinson has stressed he’ll walk away with no regrets. “If I could turn back the clock, I’d do it all again because I love the sport. Every fight I had was a highlight, but the win over Jonak stands out.”
Despite that passion for the business, Robinson is adamant about one thing. He wouldn’t encourage his kids – the eldest is 17 – to fight professionally.
“Boxing has changed,” he added. “The crowds are a bit more hostile and it’s more about the money now.”