Lorente retains European title after split draw with Collins

Nathaniel Collins and Cristobal Lorente fought to a split 12 round draw on Saturday night at Braehead Arena in Glasgow, leaving Lorente with the European featherweight title and denying Collins a clear winner in what had been billed as a WBC final eliminator. The judges returned scores of 115-113 for Collins, 113-115 for Lorente and 114-114, producing a draw that preserved Lorente’s EBU crown and left Collins frustrated about a missed step toward a world title shot.

Collins, who made 125.1 pounds at Friday’s official weigh-in along with Lorente, started the contest strongly, taking the early rounds with forward pressure and sharp lefts. He landed a notable left uppercut in the third and appeared to build a lead through the middle rounds. Lorente, also 125.1 pounds at the weigh-in, gradually grew into the fight, increasing his work rate from around round four and turning the momentum with sustained flurries in the later rounds. The pace quickened in rounds nine through 11 as Lorente’s activity and combinations began to trouble Collins and swell the Scotsman’s nose. Both men exchanged everything in the final round before the decision was announced.