Steve Collins, the WBO super middleweight champion, has reaffirmed his intention not to go ahead with his mandatory world title defence against Welshman Joe Calzaghe on September 6th.

However, Collins denied any rift with promoter Frank Warren in Dublin yesterday although he admitted the two had not spoken since Collins's victory over American Craig Cummings in Glasgow last month.

Warren had claimed that several faxes had been sent to the Collins camp regarding the Calzaghe fight but Collins countered that his first knowledge of the event was on August 7th when he received a letter informing him of a press reception.

This gave him only four weeks to prepare for the fight, which prompted his walkout at the head-to-head in London on Thursday.

Collins was further incensed at having to fight on an undercard to World WBC counterpart, Robin Reid, which he felt was disrespectful to his belt.

"To tell me about a fight four weeks before it happened was just unfair. I have a good relationship with Frank and will sit down and talk things over with him next week but the WBO must decide on one contender."

Collins added: "My sole concern is to unify the division and particularly fight Roy Jones before it's too late."

Collins aims to be back in the ring by mid-October.

Meanwhile, Calzaghe went on the counter-attack, dubbing Collins `the Celtic Worrier'.

He said: "I fail to see why Collins is not respecting my ranking or the WBO whose belt he wears. He was in my position just three years ago with a record inferior to mine.