Boxing: Robinson's fairy-tale: Welshman wins world title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.STEVE ROBINSON'S thrilling defeat, on a split decision, of the battling John Davison for the World Boxing Organisation featherweight title completed an astonishing few days for the Welshman.
A fortnight ago, Robinson gave up his pounds 52-a-week storeman's job to concentrate solely on boxing and, until last Thursday, thought he would be putting his feet up in front of the television on Saturday night to watch Davison fight Colombia's Ruben Palacio.
Instead, Palacio was sent home on medical grounds after testing HIV positive and Robinson stepped in for his biggest purse of around pounds 13,000 to save the show at Washington, County Durham, and wreck Davison's dreams of the title.
The initial intention of Wales's first world champion since Howard Winstone in 1968 is to figure in a charity event to raise money for Palacio and his family.
'I was very shocked to get this chance. I didn't even ask about the money, it was the title I wanted,' Robinson said. 'I thought I'd done enough to win at the end.'
Robinson achieved his win on the back of a defeat, having lost a decision to Medhi Labdouni in France only two months ago.
Robinson's worth as an opponent had been the subject of much discussion, but now he can look ahead to a defence against Colin McMillan, the leading contender and ex-champion, in 120 days if McMillan is ready after his shoulder operation.
Age and fight delays had caught up with the 34-year-old Davison. Two cancellations of his challenge against Palacio meant he was in training for five months. 'That's too long for anybody,' he said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments