Steve Collins Jr. was handed a surprise defeat by Spanish fighter Javier Santana, losing a decisive majority decision (60-55) over six rounds in Glasgow.
The humbling loss occurred even as his legendary father, Steve Collins Sr., continued to publicly back him and revive talk of a legacy clash with Chris Eubank Jr.
Collins Sr. Revived The Eubank Jr. Path Days Before Upset
The narrative surrounding the Collins name was already high-stakes. Just days before the fight, Collins Sr. spoke to Sky Sports about his son’s missteps and continued ambitions, underscoring the weight of the family legacy:
“He’s been out there in the wilderness, taking a lot of fights he shouldn’t have fought. He wants to get the breaks, and he wants to get out there on the big stage and get the opportunity to fight the big names,” Collins Sr. said to Sky in the interview.
“He has to showcase himself. When people see him out there, see what he’s like, see what he can do, let the public look for the fight. Let them say Steve Collins Jr vs Chris Eubank Jr, can this happen?”
Those aspirational words now sting sharper than ever as Collins Jr. faces new questions about his trajectory and current matchmaking choices.
Santana Delivers Masterful Upset with Dominant Scorecard
Santana, considered the massive underdog at 3-2-2 going into the contest, executed a masterful game plan. He consistently outworked Collins Jr., taking advantage of his opponent’s hesitation and landing sharp, intelligent counters. The 60-55 tally on the referee’s card was a convincing mandate of defeat.
Observers noted that Santana’s consistent pressure and lateral movement effectively neutralized much of Collins Jr.’s rhythm and power over the majority of the six rounds. Collins Jr.’s inability to cut off the ring or create effective distance was a key factor in the shocking outcome.
Fallout: Eubank Jr. Legacy Ambitions On Broken Ice
Collins Jr. desperately needed momentum to validate the narrative of a renewed family rivalry. The loss is a severe blow to his readiness to step up to prominent domestic names like Chris Eubank Jr.
His father’s vision on Collins Jr. vs. Eubank Jr. now feels distinctly premature, especially after this humbling night at the Braehead Arena. The pressure is now immediate: he must demonstrate sharper skills, a clearer game plan, and avoid any further surprises.
The stunning result in Glasgow is a fierce reminder that boxing doesn’t respect legacy; it only respects what happens in the ring during your next fight.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights. [View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.