The Heartwarming Story of Robin Deakin and 51 Consecutive Defeats
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VIVA – The boxer ‘Rockin’ Robin Deakin is known as the “Worst Boxer in England” as he suffered 51 consecutive defeats during his professional career. However, it turns out that Robin Deakin has an inspiring and heartwarming story.
"My ambition is to be remembered. To be remembered as a loser? No. To be remembered for making an impression, to do things no one said I could do." Robin Deakin's statement.
'Rockin' Robin Deakin has a great story. Despite being without a win in his career, he is called a formidable fighter. He can overcome all major obstacles to reach the professional rank.
Born with talipes equinovarus or more commonly known as clubfoot, Deakin underwent more than 40 operations as a young child and was unable to walk unaided until the age of six.
To increase his mobility, Deakin was introduced to boxing from a young age. And it was the start of a long and unique journey in the sport.
Petinju terburuk Inggris, Robin Deakin. (kiri)
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"I was taken to the gym at over six years old. I used to be in my wheelchair, jabbing, and doing other things. I kept having surgery on my leg, I got a little stronger and started physio lifting." Robin Deakin remarked to SPORTbible.
"Finally, I started walking, taking small steps. I was able to go boxing to try and strengthen my legs. I found that helped, with my confidence as well. I started getting stronger and stronger. It helped a lot." Robin Deakin added.
According to Robin Deakin, boxing makes him confident to be himself. Instead of being the shy kid who used to be bullied.
With age, Deakin's condition improved and he was eventually able to compete in amateur competitions, reaching the semi-finals of light welterweight at the ABA Championships, and also picking up a silver medal at the Limassol Cup in Cyprus.
After 76 amateur career fights, Deakin finally made his professional debut in 2006. He beat Shaud Walton by points at York Hall, London.
However, the loss to Eduards Krauklis in a hasty second bout at Wembley Arena the following year sparked a series of extraordinary defeats for Deakin that would earn him a reputation as the eternal boxing runner-up.
Defeat after defeat continued, spanning nine years, including defeats to future champions Anthony Crolla and Stephen Smith, as well as other defeats.
“I am addicted to pain. Sounds silly but I like pain, I love being in the unknown territory to get in there and something bad happens. It doesn't bother me about winning and losing." Robin Deakin remarked.
His career came to a halt in 2014 when he was stripped of his license to fight by the British Boxing Board of Control due to concerns for his safety. However, he was able to continue boxing after obtaining permission from the German authorities.
Finally, his perseverance paid off in 2015 when he clinched his second elusive win. He beat Latvian Deniss Kornilovs, who coincidentally played at the same venue as Deakin made his successful pro debut nine years earlier.
He also credits former British welterweight champion Michael Jennings for the win, which helped train him to fight and even put him in his own home after he was left homeless.
"Michael is one of my closest friends in boxing. I live at Michael's house. People don't know this but I'm homeless, and I have no place to live. I lived at Michael's house for about four months, living in his cinema room. And, practicing every day." Robin Deakin said.
Petinju terburuk Inggris, Robin Deakin.
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Deakin finally hung up his gloves in 2018, ending his professional career with just two wins from 55 fights. However, he wasn't done fighting yet.
Then, he moved on to Merciless Gladiator's Right Ripper, or the sport of merciless boxing. His decision to move was because he recognized it as a way to hurt herself after battling depression.
Deakin will undergo another operation and plans to have one more fight once he recovers from surgery. He would still see if his legs would still hold him in the fight.
However, even if his lead battle ended in defeat, Deakin says he remains proud of what he accomplished in his career.
"Win or lose, I don't care. I just love fighting," Deakin remarked.
