IRVINE boxing sensation Ryan Collins is hoping for a bumper 2015 after signing with Saltire Boxing.

The super-featherweight prospect revealed this week that he will make his return to the ring on Saturday, February 28 at the Lagoon Centre in Paisley.

After splitting from former promoter Alex Morrison, the 21-year-old is hoping for a fresh start under Colin Bellshaw and business partner Iain Wilson’s fledgling Saltire banner.

Not only will this be Collins’ first fight of 2015 but the first since he suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of Cameroonian Abdon Cesar at Kilmarnock’s Park Hotel last September.

But Collins insists he has rarely left the Vineburgh gym since the defeat and has his eyes set on a rematch with Cesar at some point this year.

Speaking to the Times this week, Collins hopes to fight more regularly under his new promoters and can’t wait to step through the ropes once again.

He said: “Basically my contract run out with Alex Morrison and I felt it was time to move on.

“Don’t get me wrong I was winning fights, fighting on world title bills and at the Kelvin Hall. But I was only fighting about three times a year even though I was rarely injured and I’m in the gym all the time.

“I know that under Colin Bellshaw I’m going to get fights and move up the rankings. They’re going to be doing great shows at the St Andrew’s Club and I’m sure they’ll get me fighting for a Scottish title.

“Colin’s doing 12 shows a year and I’m hoping to fight on at least six of those.

“I’m going to start back with either a four or six rounder, get that out the way and then move up to doing eight or 10 rounds.” He added: “The one thing I really want to do is get a rematch with Abdon Cesar. You could see on the night that he wasn’t as fit as me and he’s definitely beatable.

“Me and Alec are working on punching outside distance more and being more effective with my punches rather than just throwing them. I’ve got to say thanks to Archie McKee for sorting me out with a few shifts around my training.

“I’ve got a wee buzz back now, I’m in the gym and I can’t wait to get back in there and fight.”​