Why Dan is boxing clever to raise cash for Mind
ALBION ACADEMY MANAGER GETTING INTO THE RING FOR AMATEUR CHALLENGE FIGHT
BURTON Albion academy manager Dan Robinson is swapping his goalkeeping gloves for boxing gloves later this month to raise money for the mental health charity Mind.
And it will be the real deal for the Brewers’ former keeper when he steps through the ropes at Rollerworld in Derby on Saturday, June 18.
Far from the sort of “white collar” exhibition-style event, the cruiserweight area title will be on the line in a bona fide amateur match against boxing hopeful Aaron Moore over four two-minute rounds.
Robinson, 39, has been in training since just after Christmas and is not a complete newcomer to the disciplines of boxing training.
He used it to hone his reactions as a goalkeeper, especially when he was playing at a good level in a decade in New Zealand, where he went on to become goalkeeping coach to the country’s national women’s team.
The boxing event, Redemption, has been organised by Derby boxer Vince Glover with the hope of raising £10,000 for the charity.
“Vince is a good friend of mine, quite well known in Derby, a semiprofessional boxer,” said Robinson.
“He’s been looking to set up a fund-raising event for Mind. He and I have done a bit of training together over the last few years and I’ve supported him at some of his fights. “We got chatting and, before you know it, I’ve agreed to get involved and now I’m two weeks away from an actual bout!
“It’s getting more and more daunting as the days go by.
“He’s done a great job getting it up and running, working with various people to make it happen. “Some of the people fighting on the night are complete novices and some are amateurs or semiprofessionals, so it should be an entertaining night.” Robinson hopes his small head start in terms of training will help him at least stay out of trouble when he gets in the ring against his younger opponent.
“I always did a bit of boxing training when I was in New Zealand,” he
It kind of complements goalkeeping – you have to have quick feet and keep well-balanced.
Dan Robinson
said.
“I felt it kind of complemented goalkeeping quite well – you have to have quick feet, move small distances, keeping yourself well balanced.
“Granted, in boxing you’re trying to get out of the way of what’s coming at you and as a goalkeeper you’re trying to get in the way!
“I used to take the national women’s goalkeepers training at a boxing gym, as there are those transferable skills. But I’ve actually had an actual fight, so this is all a bit new.
“The lad I’m fighting is quite a bit younger than me and has aspirations to actually give it a go, so it will be classed as a proper amateur fight, not just a ‘white collar’ one.
“It’ll be interesting to say the least. “The mental side of it is fascinating.
“The physical side is obvious, everyone talks about how physically demanding it is.
“But learning proper technique, you have such an appreciation for what boxers’ speed of thought is and how they’re able to move so quickly to react to their opponent.
“The focus you have to have is unbelievably challenging.”
■ The Brewers have announced a further pre-season friendly, away to
Brackley Town, bringing the total to three so far.
They will travel to face National league Brackley on Tuesday, July 19.
Two home friendlies have already been confirmed against Championship opposition, with Birmingham City visiting the Pirelli on Saturday, July 16 (2pm) and Sheffield United coming on Wednesday, Jully 22 (7.30pm)