'Golden age' boxer who beat Eubank and Benn comes to Cannock

One of the legends of a golden era of boxing starts a new job in Cannock on Saturday night, writes Matt Bozeat.

Steve Collins is in the record books as a two-weight world champion and is the only fighter to have beaten both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn twice apiece.

‘The Celtic Warrior’ hasn’t had much interest in boxing since retiring as unbeaten WBO super-middleweight champion in 1997 – but will be in the corner at Chase Leisure Centre this weekend.

He is training and managing his, Steve Collins jr.

Collins has taken over the reins after seeing his son lose in Glasgow last October, a defeat that dented plans to steer him towards a fight with Chris Eubank jr.

Collins jr is matched with Leon Mitchell from Birmingham over six rounds on Saturday night on a show that also features Kyle Charles making his professional debut.

Charles is a 33-year-old plasterer from Burntwood who’s aiming to win titles.

“I would love to get a title shot and fight high-level fighters,” he said. “I believe I’m capable of that.”

Charles started boxing at Platinum ABC when he was 21 years old and ended his amateur career at Trojan ABC.

He is managed by Gavin Burrows, trained by Dan Clews and is matched with a former amateur champion on his pro debut.

Lewis Howells was a Welsh junior champion and boxed in the European Youth Championship in 2015 before taking a break from the sport.

The show also features former British light-heavyweight champion Shakan Pitters.

Doors open at 5pm and boxing starts at 6pm.