Stevie Collins happy to take Sosa test

When we here at Irish-Boxing.com put together a list of ‘journeymen opponents’ we would love to see again we received a list from respected boxing brain Rian Scalia of UCN Live with his favourite away fighters on the world scene at present.

Top of this list was an Argentine that fights out of Spain called Pablo Sosa – a fighter who has signed to fight Stevie Collins [9(4)-0-1] on Red Corner’s National Stadium hosted ‘Unfinished Business’ card this Saturday night.

The 29 year old light heavyweight’s record 7(3)-6(1)-3 is one which makes for average reading, but it belies the big man’s skill, approach, and determination. Indeed, the three pale blue D’s on his BoxRec ledger suggest he was denied a deserved upset or two on the road.

Such information would worry most, but not Collins Jr, rather the prospect of a test and a challenge excites the former top rugby player. ‘The Wolfhound’ claims he all but hand-picked Sosa as the South American offers him the chance to improve his ranking, show he is ready for a big step up, as well as providing him an opportunity to be involved in a bout that will please the paying public.

“He has won a good few fights and he drew with the lad [Eduard Gutknecht] that was in the eliminator with George Groves, in truth he won that fight. His record isn’t bad but it doesn’t do him justice,” Collins explained when talking to Irish-Boxing.com.

“He is 100 percent game and a live opponent. He comes to win and that is what I want. He is higher ranked than me and he gives me a platform from which to build from. He is a step up for me and a big step up from my last fight in fairness.”

“We had a couple of names, but I wanted this test. I wanted someone who would come to win. Not only is that good for me but it’s good for the fans.”

Dubliner Collins has always been keen to kick on, and he believes Sosa provides him with the chance to do so on a bill topped by stable ate Luke Keeler.

“I didn’t get in to boxing to hang around. I know it’s a bit slowly-slowly at the start, stepping up as you go along, but this opponent is another level and I am looking forward to it,” he added.

“And like I said it’s great for the fans to see someone to come and win it makes it a better fight and that is what it is all about.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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Also featuring on the bill will be Eric Donovan, Chris Blaney, Lynn Harvey, Connor Coyle, Allan Phelan, Craig O’Brien, Noely Murphy, Jay Byrne, and debutant Thomas Finnegan.

Tickets cost €40 (unreserved) and €60 (ringside) and can be bought from the boxers on the card.