What is Steve Collins' net worth?
Steve Collins is an Irish former professional boxer who has a net worth of $10 million.
Steve "Celtic Warrior" Collins established himself as one of boxing's most resilient and determined champions during the 1990s. Rising from humble beginnings in Dublin to become a two-weight world champion, Collins carved out a remarkable career through a combination of iron will and tactical brilliance. He held both the WBO super-middleweight and middleweight titles, famously defeating both Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn twice – victories that cemented his legacy in British and Irish boxing history. Known for his psychological warfare as much as his boxing ability, Collins pioneered the use of sports psychology in boxing and famously claimed to be hypnotized before his first fight with Eubank. His career record of 36 wins (21 by knockout) and 3 losses stands as a testament to his dominance, particularly during his peak years when he defended his super-middleweight title seven times before retiring as champion in 1997.
Early Career and Rise
Collins began boxing professionally in Massachusetts in 1986, building his reputation in America's tough East Coast boxing scene. Fighting out of the Petronelli brothers' gym in Brockton, he learned his craft alongside Marvin Hagler, whose influence helped shape Collins' durable, pressure-fighting style. After compiling an impressive string of victories, Collins earned his first world title shot in 1990 against Mike McCallum for the WBA middleweight championship. Though he lost by unanimous decision, the fight proved Collins could compete at the highest level.
Middleweight Success
Following the McCallum defeat, Collins rebuilt his career and captured the WBO middleweight title in 1994 by defeating Chris Pyatt in Sheffield. This victory marked the beginning of Collins' peak years, though he would soon move up to super-middleweight where he would make his greatest impact.
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Super-Middleweight Dominance
Collins' most memorable achievements came after moving up to super-middleweight, where he employed innovative psychological tactics to unsettle his opponents. His 1995 victory over Chris Eubank, where he claimed to be hypnotized and immune to pain, showcased both his boxing skill and mental warfare. The rematch with Eubank and two subsequent victories over Nigel Benn solidified Collins' status as the dominant force in the division. These fights, particularly the Benn victories, highlighted Collins' ability to break down technically superior boxers through relentless pressure and mental strength.
Fighting Style and Tactics
The "Celtic Warrior" earned his nickname through an aggressive, pressure-fighting style that wore down opponents. Collins was known for his exceptional chin, having never been knocked out in his professional career. He combined this durability with excellent conditioning and tactical awareness, often switching between orthodox and southpaw stances to confuse opponents. His work with sports psychologist Tony Quinn introduced innovative mental preparation techniques to boxing, setting a precedent for modern fighters.
Legacy and Retirement
Collins retired in 1997 as an undefeated champion, making seven successful defenses of his WBO super-middleweight title. His retirement came after a proposed superfight with Roy Jones Jr. fell through, leaving one of boxing's great "what-if" scenarios. Collins' impact on boxing extended beyond his in-ring achievements – he helped establish Ireland as a boxing nation and paved the way for future Irish champions. His use of sports psychology and mental warfare tactics influenced how fighters approach the psychological aspects of boxing, while his victories over British boxing icons Eubank and Benn earned him lasting respect in British boxing circles.
Post-Boxing Career
After retiring, Collins remained involved in boxing as a trainer and commentator. He has worked with several promising fighters and regularly appears as an expert analyst for boxing broadcasts. His attempts at a comeback in the early 2000s never materialized, but his legacy as one of boxing's most determined champions remains secure. Collins has also appeared in several films and television shows, showcasing his charisma and personality beyond the ring.
