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Super super middleweight – Collins predicts dominance at new weight

Steve Collins Jr [14(4)-2(0)-1] is ready to send a message to the rest of the super-middleweight division when he makes his debut in the weight class against Padraig McCrory [8(3)-0] on Saturday’s huge #MTKFightNight at Feile an Phobail.

Some have raised concerns as to if Steve Collins jr can make the super middleweight limit never mind perform at it.

However the determined Dublin fighter not only seems confident 168lbs is achievable, but he predicts he will perform his best at the lighter weight.

The former rugby player of note has campaigned and challenged for titles at both light heavyweight and crusierweight and looked fit and strong at both.

The fighter, who now trains with Pete Taylor, debuts at super middle on the massive #MTKFightNight at Féile an Phobail this weekend against unbeaten Padraig McCrory and believes he will have the physical advantages in the title fight.

In fact ‘The Wolfhound’ is adamant fans will see him at his best at a weight his father won a world title in.

“I’ve been putting myself at a disadvantage by fighting bigger lads in the  weight classes above, but now super-middleweight is the division for me,” explained Collins.

“I’ve been putting in the extra work and taking boxing more seriously and I’ve got my diet  together, so now you’re going to see my at my best.”

Collins doesn’t ease his way into the new weight. He takes on one of the more respected super middle Irish prospects and Irish-boxing.com Knockout of the Year winner in McCrory- and has been handed a second chance to become a BUI Celtic champion on a massive card.

The big fight element excites the Dub. He is hopeful ‘The Hammer’ comes to the ring with an entertain the crowd mindset and produce a fight worthy of the occasion.

“I hope McCrory comes to fight so it’s entertaining for the crowd to watch. I love a dust up and a scrap, and with a lot of people watching us I want to perform,” he adds.

The clash which will be broadcast on ESPN+ and BT Sports is also Collins Jr’s first since his title fight reverse against managerial stable mate Steven Ward and the slimmed down operator is determined to ensure the result goes his way this time around.

“Winning this title will be great too, as I felt I should have won it last time, so I’m not going to let it get away from me again and I’m going to take this opportunity.”

padraig mccrory

Collins Jr vs. McCrory is part of a massive card at Falls Park, that is main evented by Michael Conlan facing the toughest test of his career so far when he takes on Diego Alberto Ruiz.

A huge bill also includes Luke Keeler vs. Luis Arias, Alfredo Meli vs. Araik Marutjan, Paddy Gallagher vs. Chris Jenkins for the British & Commonwealth welterweight titles, Sean McComb vs. Renald Garrido, Olympic hero Paddy Barnes, Dennis McCann, Callum Bradley, Sean Duffy and Dee Sullivan.

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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