31.03.06 – When English flyweight champion Chris Edwards meets Dale Robinson at Altrincham Leisure Centre later this month, for one of the two boxing pugilists Friday the 13th will a lucky day after all. Not only will the prestigious British flyweight title be at stake but also the Commonwealth title. For Edwards it provides the opportunity to match the achievement of Stoke’s last British champion Tommy Harrison. Harrison won both the British and Commonwealth (then the British Empire) titles when he defeated Jim Higgins in Liverpool on 26th June 1922..
For Robinson it represents the chance to win a Lonsdale belt for the first time and also to repeat his Commonwealth victories of 2003.
On paper Robinson still appears to be favourite to lift both titles. His record is impressive and reads: W 19 (9 KO) L 3 D 1. Edwards record is less inspiring reading: W 10 (3 KO) L 12 D 2. However, in their last six boxing bouts Robinson has 3 wins 2 losses and a draw whereas Edwards has won 4 and lost 2 with his last victory coming over Robinson last November in an English title clash.
Sky Sports will televise the bout live which promises to serve up some mouth-watering entertainment. Last time out Edwards produced a stunning boxing performance to stop Robinson in the 8th round and he will be looking to perform even better now that the stakes are even higher. Robinson on the other hand will be more motivated this time as he seeks to reverse last November’s result.
On hearing the news today Edwards said: “Its fantastic news obviously and it would be great to pick up both belts. It won’t make me any more determined though, I already have enough motivation as I’m sure Dale has too. I just want to win the fight and give something back to Stoke-on-Trent.”
Edwards’ manager Mick Carney added: “It’s a fully justified decision. Both Chris and Dales are consummate professionals and they equally deserve the chance to be fighting for major honours.”
“If the bout is only half as good as their last tussle the fans are in for a real treat.”
Tickets for the event, which also includes British light-middleweight boxing champion Jamie Moore against Argentinean ‘hard-man’ Sebastian Andres Lujan, are available from Impact Boxing. Telephone 0845 156 7168 or visit www.impactboxing.com for details.