Inverness boxer Andrew Mackay banking on Scottish title rematch eventually going ahead
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ANDREW Mackay hopes a Facebook deal struck with ring rival Ryan Collins will lead to a Highland showdown and a historic Scottish title triumph after his opponent called off for a second time.
The Inverness lightweight, who is known as the North Star, was stunned this week that Collins, who gained a hotly-disputed victory over him in Glasgow last summer, pulled out of a rematch set for March 3 in Paisley for the second time.
However, he is not letting this latest hammer-blow stop him from going for a shot at being the first Inverness boxer to win a Scottish professional title.
Mackay (24) will now face Aberdeen-based Pole Marek Laskowski for the chance to become national champion at his weight and has welcomed a later showdown with Collins after the Irvine fighter aimed to put the record straight from his point of view on social media.
The battle for the belt 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 saw off Bulgarian Angel Emilov on points in Glasgow to take his record to six wins from seven.
Everything seemed in place for next month’s clash, but Mackay confirmed 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 decisions. 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.
“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 see off 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: “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.”
The pair then agreed to that date, although Mackay told the Courier he’s angry with Collins and admitted a rematch would be an “added extra” after winning a national title.
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.”
