Collins: Defeat made me a better fighter

Ben Collins…comeback in Birmingham. Pic: Michael Ault/BCB Promotions

BEN Collins has had to dig deep mentally and physically after his shock loss in July, writes PAUL WEBB.

 But the light-heavyweight feels it was a blessing in disguise, as a new, fully focused version of himself will step through the ropes for his comeback fight on December 20 on BCB Promotions’ Winter War bill at the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham.

 The Stourbridge 20-year-old’s fledgling career looked to be going as planned with back-to-back wins over Genadij Krajevskij and Pavol Garaj. A contract was signed to promotional powerhouse Queensbury and a headline slot secured at the Dudley Town Hall for which he sold a huge number of tickets.

 The Haringey Box Cup winner was matched with Patryk Polasik, who had beaten formerly undefeated John Robertson in his previous fight. The experienced Pole caused another upset, outpointing Collins 39-38 on referee Kevin Parker's scorecard.

 “It is probably the best thing that could have happened to me,” said Collins. “It was nothing on the night, it was about me being complacent in the build-up. I trained hard but made a few mistakes and had my mind on other things.

“There was a lot of pressure with it being in Dudley and headlining and it felt like a big step. If I had got the draw, maybe I wouldn't be in this position now where I'm more determined than ever to push on.”

 Collins trains at the BCB gym in Wednesbury where he has been sparring with world-ranked duo Zach Parker and Tyler Denny. There has been plenty of change outside the ring with Ben cutting back a bit at his own gym, “Pumpkin Boxing” as well as bringing in two new additions to his team.

 “The lads in the gym have been really supportive,” he said. “They know I have it in me to come back and everyone loses at some point. I'd rather it happened now than later on. This time you will see a performance that reflects the work I have been putting in in the gym.

“My sparring has come on so much in the last few months and I feel like I'm maturing, not just my physique but also mentally. I have been working with a sports psychologist and a nutritionist, so there are no more cutting corners. I'm not looking for an easy fight, but I want to go out and make a statement. It's like a second debut.”

 *Tickets for Winter War are available now, priced at £45 standard and £80 VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.