Scotland’s Nathaniel Collins and Spaniard Cristobal Lorente will fight again in 2026.
The duo fought to an entertaining draw in Glasgow in October for Lorente’s European title, but the rematch will also serve as an eliminator for the WBC featherweight belt.
No date or venue has been announced yet for the return between Collins, 17-0-1 (8 KOS) and the 20-0-3 (8 KOs) Lorente, but Collins is the WBC’s No. 1 with Lorente ranked third.
The waters at 126lbs have begun to clear after Stephen Fulton moved up to fight O’Shaquie Foster, but missed weight, and interim champion Bruce Carrington was ordered to face Carlos Castro for the belt Fulton relinquished. They are set to fight in New York on January 31.
“Yeah, it came as a little bit of a surprise, but that was kind of where I think they were heading. Everybody else is kind of tied up now, so I think that was the option,” the 29-year-old southpaw Collins told The Ring. “There’s always going to be Lorente, which obviously I’m glad about because I can get my revenge. A straight world title shot would have been good but, obviously, other plans have come about. I feel like I won that first fight and don't think I've met anybody yet that doesn't think I won that – this is a chance to actually prove what I’m about and get that win.”
