Former Aston Villa defender James Collins is preparing for a boxing debut against Big Stacks on October 10. The 43-year-old ex-Wales international will step into the ring at London's Copper Box Arena as part of a Misfits Boxing event.
Collins, who retired from football in 2019, was a notable figure for Villa, helping the club to a League Cup runners-up medal in 2010. He also earned 51 caps for Wales, reaching the Euro 2016 semi-finals, and won an FA Cup runners-up medal with West Ham in 2006. His move to boxing comes as his former club, Aston Villa, look to improve their recent form. According to our stats and standings, the team currently sits 16th in the Premier League with four points from five games, having scored 7 goals while conceding 9, and they have lost their last two league matches.
Event details and opponent
The bout is on the undercard of a show headlined by Joey Essex versus Dapper Laughs. Collins is a late replacement for Thomas Skinner, who withdrew from the scheduled fight. His opponent, Big Stacks, styles himself as the 'UK's Hardest Man' and recently stopped Jordan McCann in a grudge match.
Promoter Misfits Boxing announced the fight on social media, stating Big Stacks had found 'his biggest challenger yet' in the former footballer. Collins shared the news on his own platforms, where he received supportive comments from former colleagues. Ex-England manager Sam Allardyce wrote 'Go on Ginge,' while former West Ham teammate Carlton Cole posted 'Can’t wait.'
Collins' football career began at Cardiff City nearly two decades ago before spells at West Ham and Aston Villa. Villa's focus returns to league action on the same day as the boxing event, with a home fixture against fourth-placed Brentford. The club will be hoping to use the match to turn around their form and climb the table, with fans able to check the latest team news and player availability on our injuries page.
James Collins will make his boxing debut against Big Stacks at London's Copper Box Arena on October 10.
This story first appeared at Wales Online
