Young champion Lewis knows how to pack a punch!
A PROMISING young boxer from Wearside has fought his way to championship glory and now has his sights set on the national scene, writes SAM BLACKLOCK.
Lewis Robinson, 13, a member of the Washingtonbased District Youth Amateur Boxing Club, boxed ever so clever to lift the North East Open Championship title.
The teenager gained a unanimous decision against Barnard Castle’s Aiden Mitchell to take the crown at the first time of asking.
He then packed a punch with a further victory at a Redcar show before adding to his national title by winning the prestigious Hull Box Cup.
Robinson has been with District Youth ABC since it opened its doors in September 2013 and has so far enjoyed knockout success.
His fight record now stands at 10 wins from 14 bouts.
The youngster took up boxing as a way of coping with being bullied at school - and has never looked back since.
He said: “My dad’s friend Mick Wilson was opening a new gym so I thought I would go along and try it out.”
On his North East title victory, Robinson added: “I felt very emotional but happy and very grateful to get that far with some fantastic help and support.
“It felt amazing to win the Hull Box Cup.
“I was so so happy I could win something that big, not just for me but for everyone who helps and supports me.”
District’s head coach Mick Wilson said: “Lewis boxed superbly in the Open Championship, working aggressively behind the jab and coming out a deserved champion. Lewis has been with me from day one so I have seen him develop from a raw novice into a open-class schoolboy.
“Winning a major competition is the best accomplishment and reward for our gym - we are still quite new, only being open for four years.
“This is our best achievement to date and we are so proud of Lewis.
“It is up to Lewis what happens now.
“If he sticks in there is no reason why we cannot win more titles and grab an England jersey. That has to be his aim.”
Wilson added: “Thanks go to Sora Group who paid for our trip to Hull, and also a big thanks to Washington Fireplaces and Davie Ball who help with our rent.
“That helps us keep youngsters in the gym and off the streets.”
Robinson now hopes for even more success in the future, saying: “I would like to go on and win the Nationals and become a part of the England set-up - and hopefully become a professional one day.
“Boxing is one of the best sports out there, especially for fitness - but also teaches you discipline and to respect yourself and others.
“If you work hard and knuckle down you will see the benefits - I would recommend it to anyone.”
District Youth ABC have had a brilliant year in only their fourth season.
They have 23 carded boxers and on their May show had 14 local fighters competing - 13 of them winning.
The club would like to thank sponsors Washington Stove and Fireplaces, Sora Group and Pinpoint Recruitment for their backing.