Could Nathaniel Collins secure all-British title bout against Nick Ball with Cristobal Lorente victory?

Nathaniel Collins returns to the ring seeking to cement his place as one of Europe's leading featherweights against Cristobal Lorente this weekend - but could Nick Ball be next?

'The Nightmare' will enjoy the backing of a hometown crowd at Glasgow's Braehead Arena on Saturday night, with his latest exploits set to be broadcast live globally on DAZN.

Unbeaten at 17-0 and ranked first by the WBC, Collins appears set to challenge for one of the division's top straps sooner rather than later if he maintains his explosive form.

But with Stephen Fulton having stepped up in weight and Bruce Carrington holding the interim belt, the Scotsman could well find himself in the crosshairs for an all-British bout.

So just how might Collins end up in the ring with Ball if he comes through his latest test with Lorente unscathed - and what is the likelihood? DAZN News explains matters.

Shifting hierarchy presents opportunity

Top ranked by the WBC - intriguingly one of three bodies where Ball is completely absent - it stands to reason that Collins will bank his first title shot sooner rather than later.

A lot depends on Lorente of course, a major spanner in the works, but if he comes through amid a shuffle at the top end of the governing body's standings, the chance arrives.

Carrington, as interim champion, would be elevated to the full title or forced to likely face Collins for it - and with any strap, it makes the Scotsman a very attractive prospect.

Star keen to prove mettle

Having dispatched Lee McGregor inside four rounds in May, Collins has seen his stock soar even higher, with plenty full of belief he can deliver at the top of the fight game.

Leigh Dawney/Queensberry

To his critics however, he is arguably yet to face a truly world-class operator in the ring, meaning that the prospect of testing his mettle against a champion is enticing too.

For Ball, a bout with Collins not only offers him another tough test after dispatching Sam Goodman, but comes with that added British flavour and promises a big night.

Inoue waiting game keeps division guessing

Perhaps the biggest issue facing a bout for Collins with Ball is the waiting game over Naoya Inoue's next steps, with the Japanese pound-for-pound star in hot demand.

Ball has made no secret of his desire to face 'The Monster', who is currently booked for a bout at The Ring V: Night of the Samurai in Riyadh this December.

Any fight would require him to commit to a new division - but while he waits on a potential date with the Japanese star, Collins may prove a perfect dance partner.

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