By Jonathan Brown
KILLYLEAGH boxer Bryce Collins says he’s “buzzing to get into the ring” ahead of his pro debut at the Waterfront Hall on Friday night.
He’ll fight on the undercard of The Last Dance show presented by Conlan Boxing, which will feature former IBO world champion Padraig McCrory in the final bout of his professional career.
“I can’t wait,” Collins said. “Training has gone brilliantly, I’ve sold a lot of tickets and I’ve a big support from a lot of my family and friends and people in the local area. I’m buzzing to get into the ring and do my thing.”
The 23-year-old flyweight has enjoyed a successful amateur career, winning four national titles, including an Irish Elite title at 48kg in 2023.
At the time of writing, Collins doesn’t know who he’ll be fighting on Friday night, but it’s something he’ll have to get used to in the early stages of his professional career.
“It’s the way it’s going to be in the early stages of being a pro. There’s going to be last minute changes of opponent and stuff like that, so you’re never really going to be sure until you see them at the other side of the ring. I’ll just prepare the same way I do normally.”
Boxing returned to the Waterfront Hall back in February, with fellow local fighter Donagh Keary defeating Bradford journeyman Jake Pollard on the undercard of the Conlan Sport and Hammer Boxing event.
Collins, who is trained by dad Tony and coach Terry Smyth, dismissed any notion of the occasion being too big for him, as he prepared to take to the ring at the venue where current IBF Welterweight world title holder Lewis Crocker made his pro debut in 2017.
“I’ve watched other fighters box there on the TV, so it’s definitely a good venue to make your debut in. You get nerves in every fight, but to me, it’s a ring and an opponent no matter where it is. There probably will be a few more nerves with it being my debut, but once you get in the ring, that all goes away.”
The fight will be broadcast live on DAZN, with Collins expected to make his ring walk between 6pm and 7pm.
Tickets are still available and can be purchased by contacting Bryce Collins via his Instagram page, @bryyce_09.
Bryce thanked his sponsors for their ongoing support, acknowledging the contribution of Unite Energy, Cash Cars and Lucky Stars, B Tan Downpatrick, Kallos Holistic, JG Driveways, J Murdock Contracts, and Richie’s Fish and Chips, to his boxing career.
Bryce also wished to acknowledge the support of Enler ABC, Comber, for allowing him access to its gym facilities, and expressed his appreciation to Enler coaches Johnny Hunter and Ben Lyttle for their assistance and encouragement. Bryce described Enler ABC as “a great club in the area, doing great things for all the kids in the community”.
Read the full story in the current issue of the Down Recorder Mourne Observer edition.
