Big things are expected of Ben Collins after signing a promotional deal with Frank Warren’s Queensbury Promotions, and the talented 19-year-old will box for the second time as a professional on the BCB Promotions Collision Course at the Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on April 12th.
The Stourbridge-based light heavyweight made his debut in December at the same venue against the durable Lithuanian Genadij Krajevskij, winning every round in a dominant points victory. It had been some time since his last amateur fight, but he took it in stride, leaving everyone in attendance impressed, including his opponent.
“I enjoyed my debut, getting used to the set-up and new surroundings, and I felt like I took it in my stride. I hadn’t boxed in a while, and he was very tough. I hit him with some good shots and showed my skills. After the fight, I spoke to Krajevskij, and he said some positive things about me, and he has boxed a lot of good fighters.
In February, the Queensbury deal was announced, with Collins keen to land a spot on one of their shows. That opportunity will come soon, but for now, he gets to take on a starring role in a venue where his supporters can get to see their charge up close and personal.
“This deal will give me great opportunities to be on the biggest platform for one of the best promoters in the world. I was hoping to get on the Magnificent Seven show, but my time under the TV lights will come soon, and it will push me up to a new level. I had a lot of people come to support me last time, and there will be more there this time round.
‘Pumpkin’, as he is known due to a childhood nickname, splits his time between the BCB Gym in Wednesbury and his own Team Pumpkin Gym in Brierly Hill. Always one to mix it with the plethora of talented fighters that come through the doors, he has had the chance to spar some of the best fighters in the UK in the build-up to this one.
“At this stage, it is about taking every opportunity, and I have had some great spars with Ben Whittaker and Zach Parker. I will take a lot from those rounds into my next fight. Ben has 100+ amateur fights on me and is doing big things, and I see a lot of Zach in the gym, and he is at the level I am aiming for.
“It is a really good environment to be in; everyone is treated the same no matter who you are, and we bounce off each other. You need that when it’s a tough track session or a hard circuit in the gym.
When not boxing, you will catch Ben training a crop of amateur kids, and he commits a lot of time to community projects, working with local schools on a variety of campaigns.
“The work outside of the ring hasn’t dropped since turning pro, and we have been doing some talks in schools around issues like knife crime and pushing sport as a positive alternative for young people. Training always comes first, but I feel lucky to be able to do what we do, especially working with vulnerable kids in our gym. It is very rewarding.”
Tickets for ‘Collision Course’ are now available, priced at £40 standard and £80 Ringside VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.
