REDDITCH'S Andrew ‘D’Animal’ Robinson will be stepping into the ring to compete in his 25th professional boxing match this Saturday.

The fight, which is being held in the Genting Arena as a part of BCB Promotions' 'Now or Never' event, sees Robinson take on Nicky Jenman for the vacant International Boxing Organization Continental Middleweight title, writes Ben Gibson.

At 33 this will be Robinsons third attempt at attaining a professional belt, his first attempt came against Frank Buglioni, when he fought for the vacant World Boxing Organization European Super Middleweight Title.

Since the fight in 2014, Robinson has seen his career take off with him winning the next seven of his ten fights and only seeing himself defeated twice.

Robinson began boxing 14 years ago and said: “I was into bodybuilding and went into Lions ABC in Dudley to lose a bit of weight with no interest in boxing.

"After a few visits to the gym I was asked to spar, I was always fighting on the streets so I was obliged to give it a go.

“I physically outclassed an ABA Midlands champion in my first spar.

“That’s when I knew I had a natural gift for boxing and pursued it.”

Robinson is feeling confident about his upcoming fight adding: “I have had setbacks and basically been robbed in the past.

“But the setbacks have been a setup for my next victory. To become the IBO Champion in the biggest arena in my home town.

“I have only lost one fight to me in my career, and that is against light heavyweight British champion Frank Buglioni.

“However, if it was a 12 round fight not ten then I would have won that.

Ahead of this wekeend's clash, he added: “I have worked day in, day out with my new trainer, Malcolm Melvin and I am now the finished product.

“Now I can fight but I can box too.”

“The win on March 24 will be my reward for all the setbacks and years of suffering. 2018 is the year that we see the breakthrough for team D’Animal.”