Picture credit: Queensberry Promotions
We’re only weeks away from one of the biggest Scottish boxing bouts in years.
Nathaniel “the Nightmare” Collins, dubbed the next king of Scotland by pundits and fans a like following his most recent win over fellow country man Lee McGregor, faces the undefeated European champion Cristobal Lorente for his EBU title.
The clash is being held on Saturday 4th October at Braehead Arena near Paisley just down the M8 from his hometown of Hamilton.
The tie for the 29-year-old (below) not only provides the prospect of him becoming European champion but a once in a lifetime opportunity of boxing stardom pushing towards world honours.
However, he faces stern opposition in the event dubbed by Queensberry Promotions and Frank Warren as “the next king of Scotland” show as he faces Cristobal Lorente 20(wins)-0(defeats)- 2(draws) (8).
The undefeated Spainard also has his sights set on world glory with Collins acknowledging Spain’s Lorente as his toughest test to date.
And the steaks have been further raised as the World Boxing Council ( WBC) have ordered this fight to be a final eliminator for their coveted world title belt.
Announced at the launch conference for the fight, victory would ensure a chance at fighting for the world champion belt which could see him feature on a high-profile Vegas or Riyadh show.
Who will Collins face for world honours if he wins?
The answer is complicated. WBC Champion Stephen Fulton has announced his move up to Super Featherweight meaning that he will most likely intend to vacate this belt.
The natural assumption is that interim world champion, Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington would be upgraded to full champion, however the fact that former champion Rey Vargas has announced a comeback fight off the back of a long term hand injury complicates things.
He was champion and had to give up the belt because he was injured and is now what is called a champion in recess, meaning he has a claim to fight for the belt.
So how does it work then?
The winner of Rey Vargas v Carlos Castro will be upgraded to champion and will face the winner of Collins and Lorente.
Collins is confident of defeating Spain’s Cristobal Lorente. Speaking on The Neutral Corner YouTube channel (above), when asked what kind of performance his opponent can expect from him he responded: “ A Nathaniel Collins masterclass, of course.”
He also received the full backing of former undisputed world champion Josh Taylor. In a recent joint interview with Queensberry Boxing, Taylor praised Collins’ ability and hunger for success adding, “there’s no reason he (Nathaniel) can’t become an undisputed world champion”.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
