By Joseph Herron: Since the dawning of MMA popularity, it’s become obvious to most ringside observers, that boxing is more of a gentleman’s sport than its detractors once believed. Pugilism is a strategic chess match which promotes athleticism and sportsmanship, rather than a blood sport that promotes violence and brutality, as once believed. In turn, the two most distinctive personalities who have carried the sport over the last ten years have been “nice guys”, Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.
This is a far cry from the days of Iron Mike Tyson, who captivated the sports world on the global level with his ferocious personality both inside and out of the ring, and was dubbed “The Baddest Man on the Planet”.
One heavyweight seems to think that there’s no need for those kinds of antics any longer to sell the heavyweight division to American sports fans.
“It’s just a sport at the end of the day,” states 6’3” Steve “Freight Train” Collins (24-1, 17 KOs) of Houston, TX.
“Don’t get me wrong, American’s love to get passionate about their favorite sports and they love to see great action, but the faces of boxing must keep their integrity intact,” claims the heavy handed fighter.
Collins, who was originally from Garrett, Indiana, is a true heavyweight blessed with a large frame, heavy hands, and a great chin.
He also doesn’t sport any tattoos on his body, he attends church every Sunday, and he is a quiet family man when he is not inside the squared circle.
But don’t let the mild demeanor fool you…the “Freight Train” can crack and he is very competitive.
“At the end of the fight, I want to shake my opponent’s hand and wish him well, but during the fight, I have to get the victory however I can get it.”
Steve also realizes that the sweet science is not a sport for the faint of heart.
“If you’re not in it to win it, you really have no business being in this sport,” professes the Houston resident. “It’s a very mentally and physically demanding sport, and unless you’re serious about it, you really should try your hand at something else.”
The “Freight Train” is absolutely correct. Unless a heavyweight truly respects the sport and takes it seriously, he has a zero percent chance of dethroning either Klitschko brother.
“The Klitschko brothers are so dominant because they are so intelligent,” admits Collins. “They are not only superb athletes, they are very intelligent men as well. Both brothers are great ambassadors for the sport of boxing.”
The Houston based fighter feels that their “sportsmanlike” brand of pugilism hasn’t transcended to the American audience simply because the USA wants a home grown heavyweight.
History supports the 27 year old heavyweight’s theory. Throughout the history of the division, US fight fans have always held a foreign heavyweight champion at arm’s length.
“It’s a global sport, but for some reason, Americans have always appreciated and embraced an American heavyweight champion,” proclaims Collins.
Because of his shallow amateur background, the Indiana born pugilist realizes that he is still learning on the job, but one day hopes to become the next great American heavyweight champion.
“I’m not a blown up light heavyweight,” claims the 6’3” fighter. “I am a big American heavyweight with power in both fists, and I knock my opponents out. I’m not a trash talker and I don’t feel that I have to be…my performances speak for themselves.”
Steve “Freight Train” Collins feels that in time, the truth will eventually reveal itself.
“I realize that I have quite a bit of work ahead of me, but I will persevere over any adversity that I must face in and out of the ring. Remember the name “Steve Collins”…I will be a future American Heavyweight Champion.”
Come see Heavyweight Steve “Freight Train” Collins in his quest for heavyweight glory on Thursday night at “The Ballroom Brawl” presented by Lou Savarese Promotions.
Live boxing on Thursday May 19th, 2011, at the Houston Club located at 811 Rusk, Houston, TX.
The live fight card will feature six exciting fights which include 3 heavyweight bouts:
Jr Welterweights Bahodir Mamadijonov vs DeShaun Williams
Cruiserweights Glenn Williams vs Tyrone Jackson
Super Featerweights Miguel Flores vs Rolando Campos
Heavyweights Skip Scott vs Dennis McKinney
Heavyweights Fred Allen vs Theron Johnson
Main Event- Heavyweights Steve Collins vs Rubin Williams
Weigh-In at 2:00 PM CST open to the public at Hooters located at 2519 SW Frwy, Houston, TX, 77098
For ticket and gate information please visit http://www.savaresepromotions.com/ and support live boxing!!
Joseph Herron is a Boxing Examiner for Examiner.com and can be reached at herron.joseph2112@att.net …more fight coverage will be available on Joseph Herron’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/joseph.herron#!/profile.php?id=100002140982967