‘Pumpkin’ predicted he’d be world champ at his primary school

Ben Collins returns to action after injury next Friday. Picture: Michael Ault

AT the age of nine, Ben Collins scrawled in a primary school year book he would be champion of the world.

He still has the book and, 11 years after that announcement, still has the belief.

“Since the age of nine, I’ve been screaming I will be a world champion, the popular Stourbridge light-heavyweight said. “I just know what I’m capable of and look forward to showing it.

“It’s baby steps now, but I genuinely believe I can go all the way.”

Next Friday, July 4, Collins, who carries the ring nickname “Pumpkin”, continues a journey he insists will reach boxing’s summit.

After being sidelined for six months with a hamstring injury, the ticket-seller returns on BCB Promotions’ stacked “Independence Day” show at the Hangar Events Venue, Wolverhampton. The bill is topped by Sian O’Toole’s Midlands featherweight title defence against Doina Costin.

And his die-hard supporters will again be out in force to cheer on a hometown hero who “turned over” with considerable fanfare. After winning at the Haringey Cup, Ben signed a promotional contract with Frank Warren’s Queensberry outfit.

That deal is still in place, but yet to lead to appearances on major arena shows.

“Pumpkin’s” popularity has been swelled by the “Team Pumpkin” community boxing gym he and dad Carl launched two years ago. It’s now producing winners in the ring, with Box Cup successes, and supporting local families. Close to 130 meals were served during a recent school holiday breakfast club.

“It’s nice to give something back and see the boxing grow,” Ben said. “It really is a big community hub, constantly growing, and you can also see the boxing results. And I’ve learned so much from coaching the kids.”

For Ben, there was an unexpected bump on the road to bigger things when, in only his third fight, he was outpointed by tough Patryk Polasik a year ago. He bounced back with a win over Harry Matthews in December, then progress was stalled by the injury.

“When I lost it was the end of the world,” Ben said, “now I believe it’s the best thing that happened. It made me realise a lot of things, it made me realise the boxing style needed way more than I did. I’ve always lived the life, now I live the life even more.

“The last fight was about getting back to winning ways, now it’s about pushing my career on.”

 “I’m in no rush,” Ben added. “but I don’t want to be sitting around. There’s no point in pushing it, but no point in dawdling with it.

“Looking at the champions today, they’re 28-29. I’m 20 and how much I can develop over the next eight years is scary. I’m still to get that man strength. It’s all about keeping the ball rolling to the top.”

*“Independence Day” on July 4 also features top Black Country prospects Ryan Woolridge and Lewis Morris. Callum Seedhouse looks to build on his explosive debut at the same venue in May and Hamza Azeem has his first fight on home turf after boxing in Riyadh’s Grand Prix tournament. Mia Holland and Ashley Vaughan will be aiming to extend their unbeaten runs, Willenhall middleweight Regan Williams makes his debut and Stafford’s big punching Ashley Pettigrew can be relied on to provide fireworks.

Final tickets are available now, priced at £45 for general admission and £80 for VIP, from the boxers directly or by emailing info@bcb-promotions.com.