FORMER Hull professional boxer Sonny Pollard will go toe-to-toe with ring legend Steve Collins in the name of charity.
Ex-world super-middleweight champion Collins, famous for victories over Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn in the 1990s, will trade leather with Pollard at the KC Stadium on Saturday, May 31.
All proceeds will go to Hull toddler Phoebe Shakesby, who is fighting cancer.
The Mail reported in January how two-year-old Phoebe was battling acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Her parents, Mark and Kerry, were told the devastating news by doctors in November last year.
Now, hard-hitting Pollard is raising funds for Phoebe's family.
He said: "The story of Phoebe Shakesby touched everybody.
" It is very sad and I really wanted to do something to raise as much money as possible for her and her family.
"Hopefully, we can get 400 boxing fans in and they can enjoy the show and help us with our mission."
Ireland's Collins, dubbed the Celtic Warrior, enjoyed a glittering career.
He retired as WBO champion in 1997 after 36 wins in 39 career bouts.
Pollard won eight of his 11 professional fights but is the fresher man, having retired in 2009.
He said: "It is for charity but it certainly will not be a game of tiddlywinks.
"I will be going in there to beat him and he will be looking to beat me.
"We are both taking it very seriously and I have been training really hard.
"Steve Collins was my boyhood hero and it is a dream come true to get in the same ring and compete against him.
"I remember watching him beat the legends like Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn.
"It is a real coup that he is coming to Hull."
There will be a full bill of boxing on the night as organisers look to fill one of the function rooms at the stadium for the fight.
Seven fights are scheduled, with Pollard versus Collins as the main event.
Carl Froch's world title defence against bitter rival George Groves is on the same night and will be screened live at the KC.
Pollard said: "I am sure it's going to be a great show for boxing fans to enjoy.
"I want to raise as much money as possible for Phoebe and this is what I do best. I'm really looking forward to it."
Tickets cost £35 to £75. To book tickets, or for further details, call Pollard on 07793 003616.
