Fast forward six months and the two will resume hostilities in a direct rematch at the OVO Hydro, Glasgow, live on DAZN beginning at 2 p.m. ET/ 7 p.m. GMT, on Friday.

"This time there’s a big difference — we already know each other," Lorente (20-0-3, 8 KOs) told The Ring.

"I think last time he underestimated me and I showed a higher level than they expected. I realized that I have the level required to be among the elite, and on April 17, I’ll prove it again, this time with a victory."

The 30-year-old Spanish fighter is respectful of Collins but feels one particular area will be pivotal.

"Collins is a very technical, fast, and intelligent boxer, but he doesn’t have a great tactical approach, and that’s what sets us apart," he stated. "He came out trying to knock me out, with a single plan, while I showed that I had several plans as the fight progressed.

"We proved that my corner and I make a great team, and that will be the key to victory."

The 30-year-old Spanish fighter feels he perfectly illustrated in the first fight how he was able to follow his game plan.

"Our main tactic was to give away the early rounds to wear down and frustrate our opponent," he said. "From the fourth round onwards, we started the second part of the plan: go after him and win the remaining rounds. The strategy worked and it showed.

"Collins arrived at the final rounds much more punished than I was, something both the crowd and the judges could clearly see. It was definitely a great plan where I was able to show that I have great endurance and physical conditioning."

Meanwhile, Lorente remains unbowed at the prospect of fighting away from home and, moreover, actually relishes the opportunity to go into enemy terrain.

"Traveling has never been a problem for me," he said. "In fact, [including this fight] four of my last [five] fights [will] have been in different countries.

"I still believe that fights away from home are worth double, because often you’re fighting the boxer, the crowd, and the judges. I have to admit it’s something I enjoy the hostile atmosphere motivates me and brings out the best in me.

"As for my opponent, we already know each other now, and that works in my favor. I went to his home to face the No. 1 contender and naturally had some respect for him, but now things have changed. Now he should have respect for me, he knows me and he knows he shouldn’t underestimate me."

This fight has taken on added importance as a WBC eliminator and will position the winner for a shot at Bruce Carrington’s WBC title.

"I'm just one fight away from fulfilling every boxer's dream, fighting for a world title," he said. "I've spent 25 years training and more than 10 years as a professional to earn this opportunity, and I’m very clear about it: I didn't come this far to take a step backwards."

Collins (17-0-1, 8 KOs) worked his way up on the small hall shows in Scotland. He stepped up and won the vacant Commonwealth title with a third-round stoppage win over Felix Williams.

The 29-year-old southpaw made two defenses, adding the British belt with a seventh-round finish of James Beech Jr. before levelling up to European honors by outpointing Francesco Grandelli over 12 rounds. He scored a career-best stoppage win in four rounds over compatriot Lee McGregor on the Josh Taylor-Ekow Essuman undercard last May before his draw with Lorente on October 4.