Former West Ham United and Wales defender James Collins is set to step into the boxing ring later this month to face influencer Big Stacks, stepping in for former Apprentice star Tom Skinner on a Misfits promotions card.
The 43-year-old, who was part of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016, has been preparing for the fight at the Copper Box in London, a venue close to his former club's ground.
Two Weeks to Prepare
Collins told WalesOnline that he had only two weeks to get ready for the bout after Skinner pulled out, but he has embraced the challenge.
"I've always enjoyed my boxing," he said. "This opportunity came around a bit late, to be honest. I only had two weeks to get ready for it, but I've absolutely loved it."
"Preparation's going well. I'm back in the gym and enjoying it. It's hard work. I thought I was fit. Well, I was probably football fit, if you like. I certainly wasn't boxing fit."
Boxing Training is Different
Collins, who retired from football in 2019, admitted that the intensity of boxing training is far beyond what he experienced as a player.
"I would challenge the fittest footballers to do six to 10 rounds of sparring, or even on the pads or the bag, three-minute rounds," he said. "It is completely different."
He added: "I've done some tough, tough pre-seasons with tough managers. The Sam Allardyces and Martin O'Neills of the world, who crack the whip now and then. But honestly, with this boxing training, you think you're fit until you get in that ring, and it's a different story."
Facing Big Stacks
Collins admitted he knew little about his opponent before taking the fight, but acknowledged the size of the challenge.
"This isn't fighting talk or anything like that, but I didn't know who he was, to be honest," he said. "His biceps and that are probably about as big as the top of my legs, to be honest with you. So obviously not getting hit is key."
Collins also reflected on an infamous clash with former West Ham teammate Andy Carroll during a pre-season trip to Germany, which left him with a broken cheekbone and eye socket.
"That was bare knuckle, to be fair, so that makes a difference," he said. "He did break my cheekbone and my eye socket. But he didn't knock me out. I took a standing eight count that night."
Collins hopes Carroll and other former West Ham colleagues will attend the fight, and he remains a popular figure in Wales after earning 51 caps for his country.
Looking Back at Euro 2016
Reflecting on the Euro 2016 run, Collins admitted he has mixed feelings, believing Wales had a real chance to reach the final.
"Portugal weren't a tremendous team. They were beatable, especially the way we were playing," he said. "I think if they had played in that semi-final, I think we probably would've gone on to win that semi-final and get to the final."
Collins also praised current Wales manager Craig Bellamy, saying he is managing the team well despite recent results.
"You've got to take on the expectation," he said. "I think Craig's managing them really well. Even when they lost the game against Denmark they were very compact."
Looking ahead to the fight, Collins said he is excited and plans to continue training regardless of the outcome.
"Whatever happens next Saturday will happen. I can't wait for it. I'm buzzing for the actual fight," he said. "But whatever happens, I'm carrying the training on. I'm loving doing that, so we'll see where we go."
