Six Of The Best For Tommy Gun

Tommy Collins is determined to prove he’s ready for anything as another six-rounder tests his credentials over the long haul.

He’s back in action when BCB Promotions return to the Eastside Rooms, on Woodcock Street in Birmingham, as part of a Saturday fight night (July 30).

It’s nearly five months from when ‘Tommy Gun’ first stepped up to six, on another BCB offering at the Venue in Dudley, against Des Newton.

Brummie Collins, from Northfield, had to climb off the canvas, in the third round, but rallied to prevail on points, eventually coming out on top through a 58-55 scoreline.

The 24-year-old super lightweight had registered points whitewash results in all four of his previous four-round affairs, dating back to his 2019 debut.

Collins rolled over Paul Ducie on his pro bow, before doing the same to MJ Hall before the pandemic hit. He returned last year, defeating Clayton Bricknell and Vitalii Maksymiv.

Success over Newton took him to 5-0 and had ‘Tommy’s Gun Barmy Army’ – his faithful throng of supporters – in fine voice.

Collins is now looking to get busy as he was during his amateur career, under Tom Chaney at Hall Green Boxing Club, with 66 victories racked up from 76 bouts.

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

His dad, Dean, now serves as head coach, with most of their training taking place in the boxing-equipped garage at their family home.

Tommy said: “Training has gone well, but it’s been a quick one, getting ready for the fight, because I wasn’t expecting to be out in July. I got just under a month’s notice.

“I don’t really believe in the phrase ‘camp,’ because it’s a lifestyle choice. I’m always in the gym, so I’m in ‘camp’ all year round. When I get a date, it’s just about sharpening up.

“Everything gets tailored towards fight night, it’s more explosive work on the pads and going through different techniques to make sure they are right.

“The sparring has always been good and we’ve upped it again recently. I’ve even done some rounds with Stephen McKenna (11-0 pro) and he’s a right unit!

“I’ve been to Newport (Wales) to spar Gavin Gwynne (British and Commonwealth champion) and jumped in with Conah Walker (English title challenger), so I’ve been busy.

“It seems like a long time ago since my last one, so it will be great to get back under the lights and, hopefully, pick up another win in style.

“I found it comfortable, in my first six-rounder, and the fans certainly enjoyed watching, because it was a cracker! He (Des Newton) is a real road warrior and tough as old boots.

“I didn’t think it was a knockdown, but I couldn’t argue with the referee. My opponent knocked me off balance and I slipped, on the inside, but it was a punch that caused it.

“I wasn’t fazed, I got straight back up and I felt alright, I was never out of control, it was just one of those things that happen sometimes, so I didn’t let it bother me.

“I’ll be going out there again to enjoy my boxing and I always want to put on a masterclass, because it’s all about showcasing your skills.

“I’ve had a very stop-start pro career, so far, so I’m just trying to speed up the process and, sooner rather than later, titles are the aim.”

Tickets for the Eastside Rooms bill are available, priced at £40 standard or £75 VIP ringside with buffet, directly from the boxers or by visiting myfighttickets.com.

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