Tony Collins isn’t a name many boxing fans will be familiar with, but it could have been if he had dedicated himself to the sport.
The Yateley boxer won seven national titles and never lost a fight during a glittering junior amateur career.
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Warren was left wondering what Collins could have becomeCredit: Getty
When Frank Warren snapped him up on a long-term professional deal in 1987, there was a genuine feeling around boxing circles that the 18-year-old could go all the way.
However, problems outside of the ring stopped him from reaching his full potential.
Now, Warren is left wondering how far he could have gone.
Asked by talkSPORT.com who the biggest underachiever was, Warren paused for a moment before remarking: “A guy who never won anything but should have gone on to do great things was Tony Collins.
“He was an amazing talent years ago, but he basically wasted his talent.
“I remember him sparring Lloyd Honeyghan when he was 17, and he stood him on his head.
“He was a really good fighter, but he was a bit of a playboy, so it never happened.
“He didn’t live the life that he should have lived.
“There were a couple of problems he got himself into, which was a great shame.
“He got arrested during the week of one fight, and we had to get him out of jail…
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Collins (centre) had an amazing amateur career, but commitment issues plagued him in the prosCredit: ANL
“Talent only gets you so far, and I have seen some talented fighters over the years.
“If you don’t have the dedication and you aren’t willing to put in the hard work, then talent only gets you to a certain level.
“When you jump into the lift and you want to go to the top floor, you have to do everything.
“Otherwise, you will end up halfway up and you won’t make it.”
What did Tony Collins achieve as a pro?
Collins won his first 15 fights before coming up short against unheralded American Russell Mitchell (13-9-1) in December 1988.
The amateur standout got back to winning ways one month later and strung together another 10 wins en route to landing a British super welterweight title shot against Wally Swift Jr in July 1991.
Collins opened up as a sizeable favourite despite Swift Jr being the defending champion, but was narrowly defeated on points in a high octane battle.
The same can’t be said for his second crack at the Lonsdale belt in 1992 against Andy Till.
Collins was dropped twice and stopped in the fourth against the ropes.
It marked his last professional outing at just 22 years old, with his final record forever reading 26-4-1.