THERE is nothing like the imminent arrival of a baby in the family to help focus the mind. Nathaniel Collins has already taken significant strides forward in his boxing career over the past 12 months but news that his partner, Anna, is expecting their first child in September has given him added motivation. This is no longer just about fulfilling his own dreams.

“It changes everything the idea of becoming a parent,” admits the 25 year-old. “You’re not just fighting for yourself now, it’s for your partner and your baby. I know I need to make it happen as other people are depending on you. That’s something that definitely helps keep you focused and makes sure you’re working as hard as you can.”

The Bearsden featherweight is now undefeated in 10 professional fights, a run of victories that saw him become the Commonwealth champion last summer on the Kynoch Boxing/Fightzone outdoor card at Hamilton Accies.

The fighter known as The Nightmare has already defended that belt once in Bolton in November and will do so again in May on the undercard of Hannah Rankin’s world title contest at Glasgow’s Hydro when he takes on fellow undefeated featherweight Jacob Robinson of Wales.

“I’m getting put on the bigger shows now,” he adds. “And it doesn’t really get much bigger than the Hydro so I’m looking forward to that one.

“This is going to be a really good fight. Our styles will gel and it'll turn into a great one. I've seen his last fight when he won the Welsh title so I know a bit about what he does and doesn't like.   

“It'll end up a bit of a war between us with me chasing him, but when it gets to the later rounds it'll be a fight. He's not going to be able to box for the whole 12 rounds and I'll catch up with him.”

It can often be a long slog to the top for many boxers but Collins believes he is gradually getting to where he wants to be after putting in the hard work over the years.

“Things are starting to turn for me I believe. I was really struggling up to about a year ago to get sponsors and financial backing.

“But since I won the Commonwealth title I’ve started to get more people wanting to get on board. I’ve hooked up with a boxing marketing company and they’ve managed to get me a few more sponsors who are backing me like Phoenix Utilities from East Kilbride and CJC Recruit Ltd from Paisley.

“So I’m starting to build up a team and a solid base that is allowing me to commit full-time to boxing. And the wages are getting a bit better as well which always helps!

“I’ve got my own gym unit where I run boxercise classes but that’s now just something I like to do rather than because I need to make a living from it. Being able to commit myself full-time to boxing has made a big difference.”

Collins is not satisfied, however, to simply keep defending his Commonwealth strap over and over. He has his eyes on the vacant British featherweight title and purse bids for his contest with Nick Ball will be settled by April 13 ahead of a possible summer contest.

Liverpudlian Ball is 14-0 and part of Frank Warren’s stable but the Scot would have no issue with having to go away from home to fight if need be.

“It will be between Fightzone and BT Sports to see who gets to show it so we’ll see what happens there,” he adds. “I’m kind of hoping it goes on a BT show as I’m confident of putting in a good performance. I’m not worried about hometown decisions or anything like that as I trust my ability to get the job done.

“Competing at world level is still the ultimate dream for me. I’ve said to my manager Sam Kynoch and my promoters that I don’t want to just keep defending the Commonwealth belt.

“I want to see what else there is out there for me. If we weren’t going to get a crack at the British I did ask about the WBC Silver belt which is vacant just now as that would give you a top 10 world ranking and put you in a mandatory position for the WBC.

“I’m 21st at the moment so I wanted to go that way. But it costs money to do that so everything in good time.”

Collins is also hopeful that boxing can help him see a bit more of the world having only ever fought professionally within the UK.

“I’d love to go to Canada to defend my Commonwealth title at some point. In fact, I’d box anywhere in the world given the chance. I’d be open to just about anything.”