Will Collins continue his fine pro career?

Tommy Collins…rare talent with big following. Picture: Manjit Narotra/BCB

IT has been one year and 18 days since Tommy “Gun” Collins, the sparkling, swashbuckling talent, last fought.

And with each day, the whispers over Collins’ ring future grow louder. A question mark now hangs over the unbeaten former champ’s career, with even those inside the game asking: “Will he fight again?”

It is a question his father and trainer Dean, so passionate about Tommy’s progress, cannot answer. The reality is, with each week that passes, the odds of a ring return lengthen.

Dean can only offer fans the hope of “you never know”.

It has been one year and 18 days since the Northfield boxer’s last – and greatest – performance. At the Eastside Rooms, Birmingham, Collins – spurred on by an army of Birmingham City fans – smashed Sajid Abid to defeat in five thrilling rounds.

That victory earned Collins, who fought under the Black Country Boxing promotional banner, the Midlands title, yet he relinquished the belt within days. Both he and Dean may now consider that a mistake.

Before the Abid bout, Tommy was out for a year, partly because of injury.

If the pro game in Birmingham has seen the last of Collins at 27 and with 11 straight victories on his record, it is much poorer for it.

He had the ticket-selling power to pack out small halls, had a huge Bluenose following and possessed an aggressive, crowd-pleasing style. He produced fireworks.

After the title victory, big things were within touching distance. Today there is uncertainty.

If he does return, it won’t be at light-welter: I think that can be said with some certainty.

Dean told me: “I know he’s in the gym, he loves training. I’d get him back in 12 weeks, but, in reality, he’s 27, working full time and with no real money coming in off it (boxing).

“If it was his full-time job with backing from a big promoter he’d do it. Also, sparring is hard to get to - we always have to travel and get heavier weights to spar. It’s a nightmare, so hard. I said, ‘enjoy your life’, but you never know.

“If we’d had our way and had a shot for that British (title) after winning the Midlands, I think he would’ve won that. I pray for that fight, but it is what it is. No fault of Black Country Boxing -  they have been great.

He added: “Like I say, it could change in a heartbeat if the money or a big chance came up. I see a real star who just needed that chance.”

Tommy is currently in Australia. Hopefully, while Down Under he’s rekindled his old passion for the game and will return refreshed, ambitious and prepared to push for glory.