An Arab casino owner is leading the chase to stage the Steven Collins and Roy Jones Jr fight in Dubai. Dublin native Collins (48) last week announced that he wants to return to the ring to meet American Jones, who turned 44 last Wednesday.

Collins, who last fought in 1997, is in training camp in Dublin under his brother Pascal, who coaches current WBO international champion, Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan.

It is understood the purse, which is expected to be at least €1.5m, will be split down the middle. “They’ve both agreed to it. Steve is in great shape and he’s really been training very hard,” said Pascal Collins.

“The most likely place at the moment is Dubai, probably in May. There’s a big offer from an Arab out there who has a new casino. He wants to put it on and he’s offered good money.”