Tommy Gun Collins gunning for top titles

Tommy Collins…back in action at the H Suite on October 1

THE rattle and hum of Tommy “Gun” Collins’ rapid-fire combinations will again resonate inside a Birmingham hall next month.

The 25-year-old looks for his ninth pro victory at Edgbaston’s H Suite on October 1. To date, the journey has been an exciting one, witnessed by a truly staggering fanbase.

In Birmingham, there are ticketsellers, then there’s Collins who is backed by an army of Blues fans. Make no mistake, the H Suite will be turned into a corner of St Andrews.

Dad Dean told me: “I want an eight rounder and I’d love a title fight, I’d love an English title fight. Tommy wants to fight the best.”

Dean has no doubt his son is the real deal. The sky is the limit.

He certainly has the amateur pedigree to do well. Under Tom Chaney at Hall Green Boxing Club, Tommy notched-up 66 victories from 76 bouts. 

He won 17 area titles and was a national finalist in the 2016 England Youth tournament. Tommy also representing his country at youth level. 

“I get him the best sparring, he’s done 10 good rounds with (British lightweight champ) Gavin Gwynne. If I had Lomachenko call, I’d take Tommy tomorrow,” said Dean.

“I’ve always been hard with him – take him to a gym, throw him in and see if he can sink and swim.”

To date, Tommy has swum effortlessly.

Titles at lightweights are no longer an option, Dean admitted. He can make light-welter, but is developing into a full-blown welter.

“I know he’s in the mix,” said Dean, “but I want a good title because I think he deserves it. I’ve seen him do some brilliant stuff (in the gym). He looks a million dollars in the gym. If he can do what I’ve seen him do, he can reach the top, with a bit of luck. I think he can really make it.

“He has a good heart and does a lot of good work, so maybe he’ll get that luck.”

In a previous interview, Tommy said: “My pro career has gone so fast and that’s even with the time off for the pandemic. If it hadn’t been for that, I’d have been 12-0 or 13-0 and been in for a title by now. 

“I’d jump at a title tomorrow, if it was down to me, but I leave those decisions to my team. We are looking around to see what opportunities are out there, though.”