Scotland’s Nathaniel Collins will challenge European featherweight champion Cristobal Lorente on October 4 at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena. It’s a true home-city push for the 28-year-old, who halted Lee McGregor in May at the SSE Hydro on the Josh Taylor–Ekow Essuman undercard.
Lorente, 29, claimed the vacant belt by outpointing Mauro Forte in July 2024 and has since turned back Francesco Grandelli and, most recently in July, Ruben Gil. Stylistically, it’s a tidy clash: Collins’ sharp, on-the-front-foot pressure against a champion who’s been steady and composed during his run.
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“This represents a golden opportunity for Nathaniel,” said promoter Frank Warren. “He can win the European title at home and, with Josh Taylor calling time on his career, help lead the next wave for Scottish boxing.” Headlining in Glasgow adds fuel - win here, and bigger nights in the city follow.
The co-main event will feature light heavyweight Willy Hutchinson who squares off against Mark Jeffers. Hutchinson (18-2, 13 KOs) links up with head coach Shane McGuigan after injury derailed his April date with Zach Parker. The 27-year-old hasn’t boxed since last September, when he showed resilience in a split-decision loss to Joshua Buatsi. Before that, he produced a breakout win over Craig Richards on the Matchroom vs. Queensberry 5v5 card, a points victory that hinted at a climb beyond domestic level.
Jeffers (20-1, 7 KOs) arrives rebuilding after a majority-decision defeat to Sean Hemphill at 168lbs. The Chorley man’s willingness to trade in the pocket contrasted with the fluid footwork he displayed against Zak Chelli two years ago. The move to 175 could sharpen his tools against a naturally bigger opponent.
Fight card:
▪️Nathaniel Collins vs. Cristobal Lorente, 12 rounds, for Lorente’s EBU European featherweight title
▪️Willy Hutchinson vs. Mark Jeffers, 10 rounds, light heavyweight
▪️Regan Glackin vs. Louie O’Doherty, 10 rounds, lightweight
▪️Aston Brown vs. Paul Kean, 10 rounds, for Brown’s Scottish middleweight title
