BUOYANT Irvine boxer Ryan Collins says he is in the "best shape" of his life as he fine tunes preparations for the biggest fight in his career.

The 23-year-old has completed an intensive six-week training camp ahead of his clash with Commonwealth Games gold medallist Charlie Flynn for the vacant Celtic Lightweight title at the SSE Hydro on Saturday night.

The hotly anticipated contest will be screened on Sky Sports and it will be his first live fight.

He admits Flynn is favoured to win but that doesn't faze Collins, who said: "I am the underdog but that doesn't bother me. I am ranked 14th in the UK but if I win I will be in the top 10, which is a huge incentive. I would also have the opportunity to fight for a British or a Commonwealth title, so there's a huge prize for victory."

Added Collins: "Charlie hasn't fought for a professional title before and I have, also I have experience and he hasn't been tested over four rounds."

And in an ominous warning for the Lanark boxer he said: "I have won my last two televised fights, one with a stoppage and the other a knockout, so something similar again would be good."

Collins, who is on the undercard of the Ricky Burns v Julius Indongo fight for the WBA and IBF world super-lightweight titles, is being backed by a vociferous 400-strong army of fans from his hometown and admits they will have a big part to play on the night.

He said: "I'm sure my supporters will be noisier than Charlie's and that should help me."

The Irvine fighter says he has prepared very well for the bout and added: "I have worked in the gym and have sparred with quite a few people, including Joe Ham, who is fighting on the same bill and have worked on my sharpness, strength and mental recovery. I have been preparing for six weeks and have taken off time from work to get ready.

"I am in the best shape of my life and am confident I can deliver and bring the title to Irvine."