Ben Collins eyes title shot after impressive Dudley showing
Stourbridge light-heavyweight Ben Collins believes he is ready for title fights next year after an impressive points win over Robbie Chapman.
Collins secured a third straight victory in the pro ranks by comfortably outpointing Chapman at Dudley Town Hall last Friday and is now eyeing a step-up in class.
The 21-year-old wants to fight for either a youth title or the Midlands Area belt, currently held by Tamworth’s David Butlin.
He told the Express & Star: “People are saying Friday was my best performance so far and it is nice to get feedback like that.
“I want to push on now for a Midlands title, or maybe a youth title. I think I have shown I am better than these type of opponents.”
Friday’s fight was Collins’ sixth as a professional and his first in Dudley since suffering a shock defeat to Patryk Polasik in July, 2024.
He has recovered impressively since that setback and was always in command against the experienced Chapman.
The visiting fighter, nicknamed the Camden Caretaker, was fighting in his 87th pro bout but while 63 of those had been defeats, his record also includes wins over several prospects.
Yet Collins, visibly the bigger man, never looked in any danger through six dominant rounds.
The former Haringey Cup gold medallist kept Chapman at long-range with his jab while regularly catching his opponent with decent shots.
Chapman’s best success came in the final minute of the last round as Collins was caught on the counter looking for a big finish but it was not enough to prevent a clean 60-54 sweep on referee Chris Dean’s scorecard.
“It is what you call a learning fight but I want to push on now,” he said. “The atmosphere was great and it is a cracking venue.
“It was nice to get a win in before the new year. I am going to keep training over Christmas and hopefully I can get a fight in February or March.”
