Steve Robinson would “love” a crack at new English heavyweight champion Solomon Dacres.
But the Geordie giant has some important local business to attend two first when he tops the bill at the Rainton Arena on Friday, April 7.
‘Drago’ will fight for an, as yet, unspecified international heavyweight belt on the Dennis Hobson Fight Academy event at the Houghton venue, which will feature a considerable collection of North-East talent, including Tommy Hodgson and Jordan Barker-Porter.
For Robinson, it’s a huge stage for a huge man who, less than a week ago, was at ringside at the Utilita Arena to see Dacres win the vacant English title against ‘USSR’ Steve’s friend Rob Ismay.
“This title will hopefully be the first of many,” said the 32-year-old from Swalwell.
“.We’ve just seen Solomon Dacres winning the English Title – that’s a fight I’d love to have after this one and hopefully have my belt and his on the line!
“I thought it was a shocking stoppage [against Rob] but at the end of the day the referee has a duty of care and he’s seen something I haven’t.
“Solomon is a good fighter, there’s no denying that. He’s a good prospect but I’ve been in with heavier hitters, so I wouldn’t be worried about taking shots to get close to him, and I’d stop him boxing me on the outside.
“He’s slick and has finesse, but he doesn’t like getting hit.
“You could see that with Rob’s jabs in the first round, and Rob’s a natural light-heavyweight so what would a 6’7″ 18-stone man ramming a jab down his throat, do!
“It’s easy to say from the outside, but it’s a fight I definitely want in the future.”
First up though for the 6-1 heavyweight (boasting four KO wins) will be his date at Rainton.
“To be topping the bill and fighting for a belt on this show, it’s inspiring and onwards and upwards for me,” he told thefightacademy.co.uk
“ Rainton Meadows is a good venue and there’s some great local talent on the show too, so it’ll be a great watch and atmosphere,” said the Mark Clauzel fighter. “It’s a brilliant chance to show what the North-East is all about.
“I’ve been to all the Fightzone shows that have been up here to see Tommy [Hodgson], and they’ve all been excellent set-ups.
“I really appreciate the opportunity and it’s an honour to be fighting on one of Dennis’ [Hobson] shows.
“Fightzone viewers can expect excitement.
“ I’m raw, but if someone hits me twice then I’ll hit them four times!
“I’m not worried about getting hit and I’ve got power in both hands.
“I don’t just get stoppages either – I get full-on asleep knockouts!
“I’ll fight fire-with-fire but be sensible about it too, and I’m ready to bring a title back to the North-East.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
