By Terence Dooley

Ireland’s Steve Collins won WBO crown at middleweight and super-middleweight during his eleven year pro career.  The Dubliner’s biggest triumphs came at 168lbs where he twice defeated Chris Eubank before doing the double over a faded Nigel Benn.  A strong willed, strong-arm fighter, the ‘Celtic Warrior’ often had to grit his teeth en route to his biggest victories, he retired in 1997 with a 36-3 (21) slate.

Collins was on hand to watch James DeGale win the EBU 168lb belt at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday night.  ‘Chunky’ took too many shots against Polish titlist Piotr Wilczewski, the scorecards, 114-114 and two lots of 113-115, reflecting the competitive nature of the fight.

Although impressed by DeGale’s will to win, Collins feels that the Olympic gold medalist will have to up his game if he is to fulfill his world title aspirations.  “I agreed with the decision,” said Collins when speaking to me after the bout. 

“I gave it to DeGale based on the heart he showed but he’s so much more to learn.  I think he got through it on toughness tonight – he can do much more if he uses his head.”

James, 11-1 (8), hopes to net a world title by the end of 2012.  Carl Froch, Andre Ward and Lucian Bute are at the top of the ratings; Collins is convinced that the Londoner has plenty of work to do before he can compete with the division’s finest.

“The talent is there,” his opinion of DeGale’s world class potential.  “Tonight he showed the things you look for most in a champion – great heart and determination.  James dug down in the second half of that fight, he deserved the title.  He has the ability to go all the way if he learns his trade.”

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