I like Bute a lot but one question about him in my mind was always durability which is something that no one ever questioned about Collins. I think the highly skilled Bute has some moments early but gets grinder down and stopped late by the relentlessly strong and physical Collins.
I guess i'd pick Bute to do enough damage early to keep his man under control late. Wide UD despite some hairy late rounds.
Have you ever seen Steve Collins vs Kevin Watts ? I seem to recall Collins being quite badly hurt from a body shot late on. I'm just wondering if Bute's underrated body punching could be effective vs Collins.
I don't recall that fight specifically but I do know Collins never was stopped and only knocked down one time in his career against Eubank which was a balance shot. Bute was an excellent body puncher but not better than McCallum. As good as Bute was at body punching, his true strength was on the outside which is where he would have his best chance against Collins. I think Bute would definitely have moments but I wouldn't bet on him based on how he faded late in fights and more importantly, how he did against physical guys. Froch and Pascal used there physically to wear out and stop him. Collins was every bit as physical as those guys.
Steve breaks him. Bute was pretty good mover and counter-puncher, but He didn't have skills comparable to Kalambay, McCallum or Reggie. If He could not hurt Steve - which I don't see happening - He would not be able to handle the pressure and would end up broken down.
