The Hartlepool boxing boss was today looking to move forward after a unanimous points loss for Geard Ajetovic when he challenged for the International Boxing Organisation's middleweight title.

Ajetovic was beaten convincingly by IBO champion Daniel Geale in Campbelltown, New South Wales last night – two judges marked it 117-111 to the Tasmanian and the third was even more severe, scoring it 120-109.

But Robinson today insisted there "would be no giving up" no matter how painful the feeling of defeat was.

"It's not the end of the world," said Robinson. "Geard has the ability to win things, there is no doubt about that.

"We went to Australia with a lot of anticipation – Geard was in very good condition, was on the weight and had been given some excellent sparring.

"He had the potential to become the world champion, but he fell just short.

"It is disappointing and I can't say how much I was looking forward to coming back to Hartlepool as a manager of a world champion.

"But there will be no giving up. The talent is there but you can have all the talent, but for success it needs work over a long period of time.

"Geard is a valued member of our organisation – we think we can learn from this and move forward."

Robinson said he was disappointed over the final scores though admitted Ajetovic had not done enough to win in his opponent's backyard.

Geale, two days the younger man in the battle of the 27-year-olds at Campbelltown Catholic Club, was the busier fighter throughout, even if the Robinson fighter did land some impressive shots.

See Saturday's Mail for full story and reaction