Collins’ grudge match with Jones could take place in Ireland

The Steve Collins versus Roy Jones Junior fight could go ahead in Ireland if enough people show an interest, according to Collins’ coach and brother, Pascal.

Collins 48, and Jones 44, both former world champions, are due to meet for an “Unfinished Business” verbal spar in a questions and answers session at the Red Cow Hotel in Dublin next month.

Collins, who last fought in 1997, announced recently he was granted a licence to box again. The Boxing Union of Ireland confirmed the ex-WBO super middleweight champion did not apply to them for a licence.Russia and Dubai have been touted as possible venues for a fight which Collins claims Jones ducked in his prime, but don’t rule out Ireland.

“I really don’t have a clue where the fight, if it does happen, will take place, but if there’s enough interest shown when they meet in Dublin next month, then I wouldn’t rule out Ireland,” said Pascal Collins.

Meanwhile, Pascal Collins declined to confirm that Commonwealth middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders will be Gary O’Sullivan’s opponent for a world title eliminator in London this summer.

Cork-born O’Sullivan, who is trained by Collins, is promoted by Frank Warren, as is Saunders.

Elsewhere the Irish Amateur Boxing Association have announced that the Girls 1, 2, 3 & 4 and Youth 1 & 2 Championships is now a semi-open tournament.

The Championships begin at Dublin’s National Stadium on April 26 and will be open to boxers that have at least competed in their Provincial Championships.

The IABA are expecting a big entry following the massive rise in interest in the sport amongst girls after Katie Taylor’s historic gold medal win at London 2012.