REJUVENATED Irvine boxer Ryan Collins has been sparring with a star from this year's Commonwealth Games as he gears up for his biggest fight.

Collins last week enjoyed some sparring sessions with Kilbirnie native Robbie McKechnie in preparation for next month's Celtic Lightweight title fight against compatriot Ahmed Ibrahim.

The big fight is scheduled for Saturday, October 6 in Paisley's Lagoon Centre.

He said: "It has been great sparring with my good mate Robbie and I have done plenty of good rounds with Robbie the last few weeks and they're all in the bank for October 6. He is an experienced amateur and just missed out on a medal on the Gold Coast."

Ryan is looking forward to the fight and said: "This is a prestigious belt in British boxing and I'm confident I can come out on top with the hard graft I've been putting in under the watchful eyes of Colin Bellshaw and Cammy New at Renfrewshire Boxing these past couple of months. I would also like to thank my employer and sponsor Archie Mckie, who has again gone above and beyond to give me these next few weeks off my work so I can train and recover properly to make sure the title comes back home to Irvine. He's a top man and it's very very much appreciated."

Ryan's cousin Nathaniel Collins, who trains in Glasgow is also fighting in a super featherweight contest on the same night.

He added: "Nathaniel is making his professional debut and I'm looking forward to see him arrive on the pro scene. I'm looking for a big support from Irvine and will have a bus running to and from the venue."