Collins: We want an English title chance

Tommy Collins…back in action next month

TOMMY Collins – the fighter with a Bluenose army of fans - is annoyed.

His father and trainer Dean admits to being “very frustrated”.

Both are straining at the leash for a title opportunity – and they don’t care which belt is on the line.

“Honestly, if they offered a European title fight tomorrow, I’d take it,” Dean said. “If the money was right, I’d take it.”

Instead, Collins, unbeaten in nine, stays active with a six rounder at Bescot Stadium, Walsall, on December 1, an opponent yet to be name, but he’ll probably be foreign.

After that the 25-year-old wants belts.

Dean revealed he put his son’s name forward for a crack at the Midlands light-welter (super-light in today’s terminology) belt, but an opponent had already been put in place for champ Kirk Stevens.

But a Midlands title doesn’t top the pair’s immediate wish-list. They want a straight shot at the English or a silver belt. Ideally, they’d like it next.

“They say things are easier when you’re 10-0,” said Dean, “you can go for it a bit better.

“As an amateur, Tommy was an elite fighter, he only boxed at the elite level. Some of these (former) amateurs now winning titles, he’s been above them. I really want him up there, I think he’s good enough.

“For me, I want to move him on, get him on these (big) shows and display his skills. It’s annoying him, it’s very frustrating. He’s been sparring a British and Commonwealth champ, soon to be European (lightweight Gavin Gwynne) and it’s been fantastic sparring. I can’t see why he can’t get these titles.

“We have to take what we’re given, but after this (December 1), we want to push on. A big 2024, that’s what we hope for.”

He added: “It’s my ambition, I want to see him do it, I think he’s good enough. I can see it.”