Collins: Rock Ormond ready to smash his way to the top

Trainer Pascal Collins knows Stephen Ormond faces his toughest test to date on March 10, but points out a name like Paul Appleby is exactly what his charge wants at this stage of his career.

Ormond challenges the former British champion for the Celtic title on  the undercard WBO lightweight world champion Ricky Burn’s Glasgow title defence.

Appleby is a noted name and is a scalp that the Irish Trainer of the Year believes will help the Clondalkin fighter break into the consciousness of British boxing fans and afford him the opportunity to finally fulfil his potentail.

The Celtic Gym owner is  stressed ‘when’ The Rock smashes his way to Celtic title victory he will progress to bigger and better things over the next 12 months.

“This is a breakthrough fight in what will prove a breakthrough year for Stephen. When Stephen Ormond wins this fight he will be in line for a Commonwealth title shot and we hope to secure a WBO intercontinental title shot. We want Stephen to be in world contention by the end of the year. One door closed when Stephen pulled out of the Mitchell fight, but another one has opened now.”

Ormond had looked to have put his relationship with Frank Warren in jeopardy when he pulled out of a bout against Kevin Mitchell earlier this month.

However the experienced promoter is backing the talented Dubliner and  has lined  up against a fighter who was twice on the verge of a world title tilt on a world title card.

Ormond’s coach Pascal Collins claims Warren was never annoyed with the fighter just the situation and believes the two can work well together in the future

“We knew we were getting a fight on that card but we didn’t think Appleby would fight Stephen. Frank was pissed off with what happened when Stephen pulled out of the Mitchell fight. He wasn’t pissed off with Stephen. He knew Stephen had taken twice and he knew Stephen was willing to change weight just to get Mitchell. Frank is still working with Stephen and can help him reach the top of the fight game.”