Scottish featherweight Nathaniel Collins has endured what he describes as a "brutal" training regimen in Los Angeles as he prepares for a crucial rematch against Spain's Cristobal Lorente later this month.
Collins and Lorente fought to a split draw in Glasgow last October, with the winner of their upcoming bout at the Hydro Arena becoming the mandatory challenger for the WBC world title. The 30-year-old Scotsman, who boasts an 18-fight professional record with only the draw against the undefeated Lorente as a blemish, says he has left "no stone unturned" in his preparation.
"I am feeling great—the camp has been brutal," Collins told BBC Scotland. "I have put my body through hell and back, so I am really looking forward to just getting out there and going and getting the job done."
The fighter, nicknamed 'The Nightmare,' spent over a week in Los Angeles sparring with world-class opponents, including former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo. Collins emphasized the intensity of the American training environment, where sparring partners "don't know you, they don't care about you, they are coming to take your head off."
Reflecting on his first encounter with Lorente, Collins acknowledged tactical lessons learned. "The crowd kind of took over once I got him hurt and I thought the knockout was coming," he recalled of the October fight, where he started strongly before Lorente battled back. The Spaniard has since vacated the European featherweight title that was also at stake in their initial meeting.
With 14–15 years in the sport, Collins feels this is his moment to break through. "I have been in the game a long time, so it is definitely time to become the person that I think I should be and I am meant to be," he said. "This is the last hurdle before the big prize."
The rematch promises high drama, with both fighters knowing victory puts them one step away from a world title shot—and Collins believes his grueling LA preparation has given him the edge to secure that opportunity.