David West’s girlfriend had to work at a Walgren’s pharmacy in Bradenton, Florida on Valentines Day. Being a great boyfriend, he went to visit her at work.

Suddenly a masked man leapt up on the counter, stuck his hand in his pocket threateningly, announced he had a gun, and demanded “all the oxy 30s.” That is a reference to the controlled narcotic drug oxycodone.

West, 25, feared for his girlfriend’s safety, so he moved to her defense. It was captured on surveillance video.

The two-time Florida state PAL boxing champion immediately tried to take the alleged criminal down, and that failing, used a defense borrowed from hockey, and pulled the man’s sweatshirt over his head, even before throwing a punch.

The alleged robber then wriggled out of the apparel, and into the fire. The boxer did what boxers do best – he knocked the attacker out with a series of punches, and leaving his face looking like a jigsaw puzzle with a couple of pieces gone.

When the criminal came to, West held him until police arrived.

“I was protecting the one I love,” West told ABC News today, referring to his girlfriend who was working behind the pharmacy counter.

“I have to say, she’s really the reason why I reacted so quickly. It was just instinct to protect her.”

“I really don’t wish anything bad towards him, and I do hope he gets the help he needs,”

The alleged criminal was identified later by the Bradenton Police Department as 26-year-old Anthony Nemeth. Nemeth has been charged with robbery, and is in custody at Manatee County Jail on $15,000 bond.

Next … David West winning 2009 PAL State Championships.

State Champion David West winning 2009 PAL State Championships.

West trains at Tony Spain‘s Absolute Boxing Fitness in Sarasota Florida.

“We specialize in proper boxing techniques, small classes and highly personalized attention,” explains Spain. “So, lace up your gloves and climb into our boxing ring and get in the best mental and physical shape of your life… And Keep Punching.”

Tony Spain is a former Golden Glove Champion, undefeated four-time Toughman Champion, and a former Pro title contender. Along with his 25 years of boxing experience, Tony is a Sanctioned USA Boxing Coach, a Licensed Florida Boxing Trainer, and a Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist.