IN THE aftermath of the seventh successful defence of his title, Steve Collins was generous to his American opponent, Craig Cummings. "He certainly surprised me. He was faster and harder than I expected. He caught me with a good shot in the opening minute and I have no excuses.

"I didn't know where it came from. If I had, I would have blocked it but it made me realise that he had something to offer and that I could not take anymore chances. He deserved his big pay-night but I have bigger nights to come and I will take on anybody. The question is, who is prepared to take me on? They all seem to be running away," he said.

Collins was relaxed and preparing to celebrate his victory with family and friends. "The crowd gave me a big boost and I'm sorry they didn't see more boxing but I had a job to do and, after that first-round knock-down, it was important that I should get on top and take control. After that the only thing in my mind was winning," he said.

The Cummings entourage was equally relaxed after the initial disappointment. Cummings said that he was aware of the task before him before the fight started. "Coming here was a challenge in itself and I am grateful to Steve for giving me the opportunity. I got a very good welcome here. Everybody was very kind to us and made us feel at home.

"Steve is a great champion and I can understand why people are reluctant to fight him," the personable young American said. "This was the biggest payday of my life and I am grateful for that as well," he said.

His father, Tom, whose own father was born in Ireland admitted that he knew little of his Irish background. "My father died when I was eight and all I really know is that he left Ireland from Dun Laoghaire in the 1920s or 1930s," he said.

Commenting on the fight he said: "The next time we come here we will take on somebody our own size," he said referring to the fact that there was half a stone at least between the two fighters when they stepped into the ring.