NINE Irish boxers, including Stephen Collins, will appear on the bill at the Green Glens arena in Millstreet on Saturday night when Collins makes his third defence of his WBO title against Neville Brown. The Irish contingent includes the Olympic gold medallist, Michael Carruth, European gold medallist, Paul Griffin and Collins' younger brother, Paschal.

In all, 13 bouts are scheduled for what promises to be a significant night for Irish professional boxing. Collins and Brown will meet today at a press conference in the premises of the sponsors, Beamish and Crawford.

Carruth's bout, against Gordon Blair from Glasgow, has an extra edge as the Scot is the only boxer to have beaten him in the professional ring to date. Carruth has won his other 10 fights and is anxious to turn the tables on Blair over eight three minute rounds.