TOP Irvine boxer Ryan Collins has been forced to pull out of a Scottish title fight next month because of injury.

The 24-year-old Irvine Vineburgh ace is still recovering after an accidental clash of heads in the Celtic Lightweight title fight against Charlie Flynn forced the contest to be declared a technical draw in just the fourth round.

Collins had been scheduled to return to the ring on April 19 to fight Ahmed Ibrahim at the St Andrew's Sporting Club in Glasgow.

However that contest will not now take place.

Collins said: "I had four stitches inserted in the wound and I am a few weeks away from sparring. I can't rush back and feel I wouldn't be ready. There's just not enough time for me to come back fully fit for the fight and I don't want to be taking any chances. Ibrahim is a really good fighter and I would have to be at my best to have a chance of beating him. Hopefully it can be postponed to a later date."

"It's unfortunate but that's sport for you - I guess you never know what will happen next. I will work hard on my recovery before getting back into it."

Looking back the boxer can still take positives from the fight.

He said: "The good things was that our fight was second billing to the main one with Josh Taylor and it got quite a lot of coverage. Charlie knocked me down but I picked myself up quickly. I would say I was starting to come into the contest before it was stopped and you never know what might have happened. I don't think I will fight Charlie again.