Steve Robinson’s boxing story is already a compelling one. Now he has the stage to write a new chapter.
The Geordie giant is in London this weekend to tackle the man known as ‘The Savage’ – Alen Babic. Both have predicted all-out war, so judges may not be required to decide the outcome of this 10-round heavyweight confrontation.
Robinson v Babic is part of BOXXER’s big ‘Bad Blood’ capital event on Easter Sunday headlined by the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title clash between Fabio Wardley and Frazer Clarke at the 02.
“It’s going to go bang from the first bell,” predicted Robinson. “That’s the way I’ve been sparring.
“I’m sure we’re both ready to go and we’ll meet in the centre of the ring. That’s how it will happen.”
If Friday’s media conference was anything to go by, we are going to be entertained, with Babic promising to end Robinson’s career and the 6ft 7in Swalwell heavyweight dismissing his rival as a “little man”.
Babic blew away his first 10 opponents and says his tactics will not change here and he will be ploughing forward with violent intent.
“That’s perfect,” countered Robinson. “It will play into my hands when he’s coming forward.
“With my long arms, he’s going to walk on to a shot.”
Both boxers are entering the 02 off the back of defeats – Robinson was outpointed by Franklin Ignatius in a turgid affair in Newcastle last July, while Babic was beaten inside two minutes by Poland veteran Lukasz Rozanski in his challenge for the WBC world bridgerweight championship.
“It’s a do or die fight for me,” said the Croat, who at 33 is the same age as Robinson. “I really need to win, but not just win, I must make a statement – a beautiful knock-out to show I’m back on the big scene.
“I’ve knocked out all 10 of my opponents at heavyweight and this will be 11 and 0.
“I’ve seen nothing hew can bring to stop it.”
“I’m going to end your career – your stupid face is going down. First round, may be the first 10 seconds.”
“Little man? A little man who is going to end your career.”
Should Robinson use his physical advantages it could prove the best night of his pro career, which is approaching its fifth anniversary.
He turned over in 2019 disillusioned following an ABA Championship semi-final points defeat to Delicious Orie and he has enjoyed some explosive early nights since.
His marketing as ‘Drago’, the villain of Rocky 4, has been inspired and he has backed it up inside the ropes with a 6-2 record, with four wins inside the distance.
The Mark Clauzel-managed heavyweight has entertained Sky audiences on several occasions, most notably when ending the unbeaten record of Nick Campbell in Bournemouth in December 2022.
That proved a terrific scrap and a repeat of that in London on Sunday night would get his career firmly on track again after the disappointment of the televised defeat to Ignatius.
Robinson was asked by media conference host, Andy Scott from Sky, how a Drago win might occur at the 02 and the Giuseppe Bivona-trained fighter insisted victory was the only thing that was on his mind.
“It doesn’t matter how it’s decided, the fact is its will be my hand that’s getting lifted,” he said. “It’s irrelevant how and when.”
Words: Roy Kelly Picture: Jennifer Charlton
