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ROBERTSON PRIMED AFTER LONG TRAINING CAMP
By Brett Mauren - phantompunchproductions.com
Photos by Jesse Kelley

If Antwan Robertson brings one advantage into his fight March 28 with fellow prospect Brad Patraw, it's that he knows where he stands. While acknowledging that he is relatively inexperienced, Antwan insists that he knows where he wants to be, and knows exactly how to get there.

The general train of thought would be that two local prospects like Robertson, and Patraw, both of whom are 4-0, should take some time to buff up their records before putting their "0's" on the line against one another. These two undefeated prospects have decided, however, to skip the waiting game, making for a crucial bout on March 28, serving as the co-feature to a headline fight for state middleweight supremacy between Anthony Bonsante, and Andy Kolle. Robertson notes that he had indeed lost twice to Patraw in the amateurs, but sees March 28 as an opportunity to showcase the improvements he has underwent since his amateur career, and command the respect he feels he deserves in the professional community.
If one man has backed Robertson since day one, it's trainer John Hoffman, who looks at Antwan as a little brother.
"I've been with Antwan since day one, and really had a chance to mold him since day one"

Hoffman's relationship with Robertson is visible in the gym, as the two have a mutual respect for one another, but a love for the sport of boxing as well. Having finished his own boxing career just recently, it's as if Robertson is Hoffman's personal extension within the boxing community, a bond shared by only the best trainer/fighter combinations.
Fighting another prospect at an early stage in his career seems to be a gamble, so the card's title "High Stakes" is only fitting. A win over Patraw would undoubtedly put Robertson on the map, and take him one step closer to the level he strives for, fighting on television, for belts.
"I know I'm pretty good, all I have to do is work out, so hopefully fighting for belts" Robertson said in regards to where he aims to take his career.

Whether or not Robertson will make his name as a prime time fighter remains to be seen, but he, along with his trainer, believe all the tools are in place. From an outsider's view the foundation is already laid; the love of boxing, an invested trainer, and all the athleticism, and potential in the world. Now those tools need to be put to work, and March 28 at Grand Casino Hinckley will showcase how far Robertson has come, and just how far he could go.

The co-feature of the night pits undefeated 4-0 featherweights Antwan "Lil Superman" Robertson of Minneapolis, Mn against Saint Paul's "Bad" Brad Patraw. Four other bouts are scheduled.
Grand Saturday Night Fights "High Stakes" takes place at the Events & Convention Center at the Grand Casino in Hinckley, MN on March 28, 2009. The first bout will begin at 7:30 p.m. General admission tickets are priced at - $25, $35, VIP - $55, Table Seating $100. For Ticket info or other questions visit www.grandcasinohinckley.com.