You'd imagine a boxer whose nickname is ‘Crackers’ would be best steered well clear of.

But the affable 24-year-old welterweight Joe Collins, who will be taking part in his second pro fight next month, is far from off-putting.

"The nickname ‘Crackers’ comes from the lads at my old gym," explained Macclesfield fighter Joe.

"We were all told to go for a run on the moors one snowy morning and I was the only one that turned up.

"I did the run on my own and it was ‘Crackers’ from then on.

"I’ve never been able to shake it, but people get called some worse things."

Joe will be fighting on the Hatton Promotions’ bill at the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury on November 6 – and he can’t wait.

"I’m very excited for the future with the Hatton organisation," he said.

"I’ve talked to the other fighters at the Shannon’s gym in Openshaw where I train and they say it will be good for my career.

"I changed management and now I’m ready to make my name."

He started his pro career with a decisive 60-54 points decision over Stretford’s Damien Turner in the undercard of Alex Matvienko’s British title in Bolton in March.

"I breezed my first pro fight and now I want to make a proper impression."

And he’s hoping to get a real test of his abilities in next month’s fight.

"I hope I get a proper tough opponent – if I’m not getting hit I won’t learn."

Joe started out with Macclesfield Boys Boxing Club after kicking football into touch following a knee ligament injury.

"I was wasting my time playing football and when I got injured my friend took me boxing to get fit.

"It’s such a brilliant set-up at Macclesfield. I don’t think people realise how much work people take on to help the young fighters.

"I started training with Bob Shannon, who trained Matthew Hatton up to his Euro title bid.

"Bob is in my mind the best trainer in England and he has to be one of the best trainers in the world."

There’s no doubt in Joe’s mind that he is in the right game now.

"I’m absolutely passionate about the sport," he added.

"I train twice a day and if I’m not at the gym I’m watching boxing on the television."

Joe, who went to Fallibroome High School in Macclesfield, is hoping to attract sponsorship from local businesses ahead of his big fight. And anyone wanting to buy tickets for Joe’s second pro contest can contact him on 07920 553981.

Doors open at Bury’s Castle Leisure Centre at 6.30pm with the first fight starting at 7.30pm.