IRVINE boxer Ryan Collins’ dream comeback turned into a nightmare after losing a controversial decision to Chris Adaway at the weekend.

The popular super-featherweight was hoping to bounce back from a crushing defeat at the hands of Abdon Cesar last September with a win at the Lagoon Centre in Paisley last Saturday.

But it was not to be as Collins lost 39-38 on points to the Plymouth novice over four rounds.

Collins didn’t appear to be lacking confidence prior to the first bell ringing.

The 21-year-old got right in Adaway’s face, sticking his tongue out and waving his arms.

But Adaway was out to prove he wasn’t to be taken lightly.

The away fighter, also 21, produced the cleaner work in the opening round with Collins struggling to find the range. Adaway was having success with the jab but Collins found more success in the second.

A cracking left hook along with increased pressure was more than enough to win the round.

Adaway was intent on spoiling a lot of the action, constantly holding his opponent.

The Englishman’s movement continued to cause problems for Collins but the local lad went to the body to try and make a breakthrough.

There wasn’t much to split the two in the fourth and final round but it was clear that Adaway was looking the worst for wear.

Referee Gerald O’Neill gave Adaway a breather after an apparent low blow but it was clear to see from ringside that Collins landed with a clean shot to the body.

Collins had Adaway on the back foot for most of the round, lunging in and trying to land combinations.

Overall, it appeared that Collins’ pressure and work rate was enough to see him victorious in what was a sloppy bout.

But referee O’Neill scored the contest 39-38 in favour of Adaway, handing Collins his second loss in as many fights. The win takes Adaway’s record to 2-2.

Elsewhere on the bill, Inverness heavyweight Gary Cornish blasted out Croatia’s Marino Goles in 59 seconds as he eyes up a shot at the British title later this year Despite surviving a brutal knockdown in the second round, Cambuslang lightweight Jordan McCorry suffered a 96-94 points loss to Aberdeen-based Latvian journeyman Andrejs Podusovs for the British Masters title.

Backed by an army of travelling supporters, Aberdeen’s Matty McAllister took his record to 9-0 with a win over Danny Little and Coatbridge’s Gary Murray made a winning start to his professional career with a points win over Matt Seawright.

For the full story see this week's Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald.