The sporting world has been getting behind Robbo’s squad as we aim to climb the League One table.
Lerrone Richards visited us in September with the European Super-Middleweight crown and on Saturday the Dons fan was back at the Cherry Red Records Stadium with a world title. The boxer returned to support his beloved Wimbledon, having won the IBO Super-Middleweight crown at the end of the year.
“I love it when I come here,” said Lerrone. “I’d love to come more often, but my training camp is based in Sheffield. Every time I’m here, I love it! I like it when I’m in the stands a little bit more, with the atmosphere. I always enjoy meeting and seeing everyone.
“The first half we played very well. Second half, we kind of allowed them (Shrewsbury) to get into a bit of a rhythm and conceded a silly goal, but overall, I was really happy with the team, I was happy with the spirit, and I was glad that we got a point.
“I feel like I’ve got a relationship with the fans. I see people locally and its nice that they’re backing me. Anytime I’m available, I’m here. I enjoy it and I love the club.”
Having finished off 2021 in style, Lerrone has his sights set on further world domination. Rewarding our fans with a world title fight at the new stadium is still very much on his agenda.
“Hopefully one day I can bring it back here,” said Lerrone. “You saw the atmosphere here today with all the support, it’s like a family. I’ll be back very, very soon.
“I want to continue moving up the world rankings. I want to cement myself the as the best in the world. I want to keep picking up belts, fighting eliminators and getting into mandatory positions, so that people have no choice but to fight me.”
You can see the full interview with IBO Super-Middleweight champion Lerrone Richards below, via our official YouTube channel.
Athlete Chris McAlister is also a big Dons fan and although he’s currently Great Britain’s best, as a 400 metres hurdler, it means having to work as well in order to support his quest for a medal one day.
Having to deal with a lack of funding, his positive mindset is something that caught the attention of our Head Coach Mark Robinson. Robbo saw how self-driven Chris is and invited him to visit training.
“I gave a little chat to the players,” said Chris. “They were really interested in my sport and what I do, as the mindset of an individual athlete. Robbo was keen that I got across to them just how hard I work."
“I’ve got a job, alongside doing athletics," said Chris. "It was really interesting to hear perceptions on that – I think they were quite surprised to hear about it! I work for the civil service and it’s usually from nine to five during the week. Then I get the chance to go to training and run my heart out during the evenings.”
Chris has a packed calendar ahead of him this year, as he aims to qualify for his second World Championships and with the Commonwealth Games due to be staged in Birmingham. However, his support for the Dons is unquestionable and stems from his dad, who supported Wimbledon at the 1988 FA Cup final. It’s since taken him to both of our Play-off final victories in 2011 and 2016.
Watch what happened when Chris McAlister attended a recent first team training session below.