Historic fight beckons for Mackay – despite Collins’ Facebook deal
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THE chance to become the Highland’s first professional champion is the priority for Andrew Mackay – despite agreeing a rematch with fierce rival Ryan Collins.
The Inverness lightweight has spent more than a month in the gym, getting himself prepared to meet Collins from Irvine in Paisley on March 3.
However, last week Collins – who controversially was given the decision when they met in Glasgow last summer – withdrew from the rematch for a second time, having done so in November.
Although angered by this latest set-back, Mackay’s altered his preparation and focus after being lined up to face southpaw Pole Marek Laskowski from Aberdeen instead – with the national lightweight belt up for grabs.
Mackay, 24, who is known as the North Star, has welcomed a later showdown challenge from Collins, who aimed to put the record straight from his point of view on social media.
The battle for the title last June was a close contest and the bout was stopped after the fourth round following an accidental clash of heads.
Mackay was reeling that the decision went in favour of his opponent as he tasted his first defeat as a professional.
A rematch was swiftly agreed between the camps for November, but Collins called it off, Mackay says, without explanation.
The Holm boxer still fought that month, on Fireworks Night, when he beat Bulgarian Angel Emilov on points in Glasgow to take his record to six wins from seven.
Everything seemed in place for next month’s rematch, but Mackay confirmed on Facebook that Collins, who has a 13-2 win record, had again pulled out.
He said: "I am beginning to believe he will never get back in the ring to settle the highly controversial decision.
"No-one is more disappointed with this new than myself, but I am no longer prepared to wait for Collins as I am now moving forward and fighting a very tough opponent from Aberdeen in a battle of the north for the Scottish title. It is less than five weeks until my big night.
"I am preparing diligently with my team to ensure I am in the best possible condition physically and mentally to create history and be the first professional champion from Inverness.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support in helping me achieve my goals. Without you my journey would not be possible. I hope you will still all come and support me on March 3 on my big night.
"I then intend to defend my title back home as a thank you to everyone for their amazing support."
And that title defence, should he defeat Laskowski, could lead to Collins heading to the Highlands for what could be an explosive fight at end the of this year.
That comes as a result of Collins hitting back online, defending his decision.
He said: "For the record Andrew, I haven’t been in the gym in several months due to work commitments. If you think I’m scared to fight a seven-fight novice you obviously don’t know what I’m all about.
"I got the heads up with six-and-a-half weeks ago when you confirmed it via Facebook, not Boxing Day, which you were told. I’d feel very confident of beating you every day of the week and twice on a Sunday in normal circumstances.
"If you beat your new opponent, which is a big ask, I will more than happily come up to Inverness before the season is out to dish out a lesson and beat you like I did the first time, no questions asked. Good luck and I will see you around."
Mackay responded: "It’s not my style to disrespect any fighter over social media. If you’re so confident in yourself, make sure you turn up for the fight and give the fans the fight they want to see. See you in Inverness before the end of the year."
Collins replied: "spot on", so it looks like an agreement – of sort – has been struck should Mackay win next month.
Mackay, however, revealed he’s angry with Collins and admitted a rematch would be an "added extra" after winning a national title.
He said: "Collins talks a good game. I was so angry with this latest call-off that I have lost respect for him. He thinks he’s a hero or a world beater, but he’s annoyed me a lot.
"My main target – as it always has been – is to make history and I won’t let my supporters down who have already booked travel and accommodation for next month. I have this huge opportunity and that’s where my focus lies.
"There is bad blood between Collins and I now and I’d welcome the chance to get revenge in Inverness later this year, but I’m looking no further ahead than my next fight, which is huge."
He says southpaw Laskowski has fought more eight to 10 rounds contests, but stressed: "I’ve been training hard and have spent over a month in the gym, so I’m feeling fitter and fitter and I’m happy with my sparring.
"My tactics were geared towards the Collins fight, but we have readjusted. I fully believe I can win this."
Laskowski has won eight, lost seven and drawn one of his fights, most recently beating Belfast’s James Gorman in the Granite City’s Beach Ballroom.
Tickets for the March 3 title showdown with Laskowski are priced at £40, £60 and £80. Contact Mackay via his Andrew Mackay North Star boxer Facebook page.
