GLASGOW, Scotland – Cristobal Lorente is preparing to tear up the script ahead of defending his European featherweight title against home favorite Nathaniel Collins here at Braehead Arena on Saturday.
Spain’s Lorente is traveling to Collins’ home city of Glasgow to take on the WBC’s No. 1-ranked contender at 126lbs. The stage is set for the 17-0 (8 KOs) Collins to lift the EBU title in front of his home support, and although Lorente is coming in as the belt holder, many are writing him off. The opinions of others only add fuel to the fire of the traveling Lorente, 20-0-2 (8 KOs).
“I'm so excited. I'm so motivated and I will be strong, because I'm the underdog, but I do it,” Lorente told BoxingScene through a translator. “Make the surprise, you know, because they say if I am the underdog. I will come to surprise, to shock the world.
“I am so excited for this opportunity because a lot of people think it's an easy fight for Collins and that's not real, that's not true. I'm going to beat Collins, and don't say which champion [he will fight] in the future because I'm coming here to take his dreams.”
The bout on Saturday is an official eliminator for the WBC featherweight title, with the winner likely being ordered to face titlist Stephen Fulton.
“Collins is No. 1, and logically it's a great opportunity,” Lorente said. “Beating No. 1 puts you in the big leagues. I hope Collins is offensive, maybe in a war, but I'm here to stop him and do my boxing, and do my best in the ring on Saturday night.”
Tom Ivers is an amateur boxer who has a masters degree in sports journalism. He had his first bout in 2013, joined BoxingScene in 2024 and is now a key part of the UK and social media teams.
