“We don’t care who Tommy faces in ring”

Tommy Collins…for dad Dean it’s all about providing entertainment

IT’S less than three days from Tommy “Gun” Collins next ring engagement and the fighter is still waiting for an opponent.

Dad and trainer Dean certainly isn’t losing sleep over the situation. Frankly, Dean doesn’t care who his light-welterweight son faces. He believes the 24-year-old can beat them all.

Whoever is put in front of the Northfield prospect at Edgbaston’s H Suite is in for a very tough night.

After seven straight wins, it’s too early to predict, with confidence, what Collins can achieve.

One thing, however, has been firmly established. The ardent Birmingham City fan is a huge draw. He shifts the kind of numbers usually associated with a rock concert.

Of Friday’s fixture, Dean said: “We’re not sure who Tommy has got, that’s the joys of small halls. Get the win and look up the ladder – that’s what I want.

“I’m not bothered (who we’ve got), to be honest. It would be great if he gets a lad who comes to win and throws (back) at him. It would be great if he gets a lad the same weight.

“All Tommy can do is keep winning and enjoy the journey.”

I’d previously questioned Collins’ punching power – then he uncorked a peach of a right hand to demolish usually durable Chris Adaway in one round.

Collins had a solid grounding from his amateur career. Under Tom Chaney at Hall Green Boxing Club, he 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. 

He said: “Now it’s fight number eight, so all I want to do is to get to 8-0, put in a masterclass and give ‘Tommy Gun’s Barmy Army’ something to shout about again. 

“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.”

Of the Adaway demolition, he said: “It was an explosive first round and it was good to demonstrate what I’m capable of doing. It was a bit of a statement, because I rate Chris. 

“I got my jab going quickly and then ‘wallop’ (overhand right) and he was out. I was worried, because it was a heavy knockdown but, thankfully, he was OK. 

“It was great to get a stoppage, but I’ll still be looking to box. It’s about hitting and not getting hit. If the chance of a knockout is there, I’ll take it, but the win is most important.”