Collins going to war with Italians in bid to claim European silver
Bearsden fighter planning to make statement against Grandelli
IT is not just footballers who are turning their thoughts to European silverware at this time of year. After being matched with – and beating – a number of domestic opponents, Nathaniel Collins’ path to the top now takes a continental twist inside London’s famed York Hall this evening.
The British and Commonwealth featherweight champion is training his sights on the European silver belt held by Italian Francesco Grandelli who fights overseas for the first time in his 21st professional bout.
It is a route that Collins has spoken about previously ahead of a hoped- for step up to world level and, should the Bearsden boxer make it successfully beyond Grandelli, there could be another Italian lying in wait next.
Mauro Forte is set to make a mandatory defence of his outright EBU [ European] title against Cristobal Lorente at the end of this month, with Collins keen to take on the winner of that one.
First things first, however, with the undefeated Kynoch Boxing fighter knowing he must give his full attention to making another statement against Grandelli tonight.
“I feel this is the right move for me at this time,” said the 27- year- old. “I’ve been in with so many domestic opponents recently that I wanted a change of scene and this fight has given me a fire in my belly different from before.
“I was getting fed up with the same names always coming up there’s never going to be a lack of domestic opponents as that’s just how it is in the UK.
“This is a different opponent and a different style and it’s got me really fired up for it. Grandelli has beaten some decent names like Reece Bellotti and Kane Baker and had a draw with Forte so he’ll be quite handy. I’m expecting a tough fight but I’m seriously, seriously prepared.
“It’s been a different level for this one. I want to win and also make a statement.”
Collins is again fighting under the Queensberry Promotions banner live on TNT Sports, trying to once more catch the eye of Frank Warren. And he hopes that continuing to impress could lead to a hometown show in future.
“Queensberry have been great with me and have been delivering different opportunities every time,” he adds. “I’m enjoying the journey and hopefully I can put on a good performance in front of them this time which could lead to a show up in Scotland.
“I’ve got a contract with Queensberry for two years or five fights and then we’ll discuss whatever happens with them after that. The platform has been brilliant for me and I have to just keep building and building.
“Hopefully everyone in Glasgow and Scotland can continue to show their support for me and we can put on a big fight back home sometime soon. I was at Willie Limond’s funeral recently and the turnout for that was insane which shows how well thought of he was.
“People always used to turn out to watch Willie fight or Ricky Burns in the glory days. It was a time when we had big shows at home and the crowds were always massive.
“I want to help bring that back. I’ve always tried to be proactive and fly the flag for Scotland. Folk are always asking me when I’m next fighting back home but if I don’t get a lot of people following me on the road, it’s hard to show the Warrens that I’ve got a big support who would turn out to watch me anywhere, which makes it tougher to argue the case for big nights in Glasgow.
“All I can do is keep winning and moving through the levels. When you get to world title level that’s when you probably start to hold more of the cards to dictate where you fight. For now I just have to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Collins’ last fight was a gruelling, 12- round war against Zak Miller before he received a majority decision from the judges and he would have no problem getting torn in once again tonight if need be.
“People were asking me if I was okay in that last fight which was surprising as I thought that was quite a comfortable one for me,” he adds. “I showed that I could fight and box a bit, and when I needed to turn it on, I did.
“It was a fan- friendly fight and I’ve always said since the start of my career those are the ones I want to be involved in. People seemed to be taken aback to see me getting hit for once but I absolutely loved that fight!
“It was a war and that’s what I’m here to get involved in. It’s also another way to help build your profile. You can’t be in boxing and not be in those types of fights. This one could go down the same road and I’m comfortable with that. I’ve got a good chin and good resilience so bring it on.”
Collins hasn’t entirely turned his back on winning the Lonsdale Belt outright with a third defence of his British title but must wait until mandatory challenger Hopey Price has recovered from a hand injury to compete.
“The board [ British Boxing Board of Control] have said they’re not going to change the mandatory from Price and he’s still injured. I’m hearing there’s going to be another 5 v 5 [ five Queensberry boxers against five from Matchroom] at Wembley so with any luck we can get on that.”
People always used to turn out to watch Willie fight or Ricky Burns in the glory days... I want to bring that back