Burns ready for IBF title showdown

Apr 16 2008 Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

COATBRIDGE boxer Ricky Burns has been handed a crack at the IBF Intercontinental title next month.

The super-featherweight, who has lost just twice in his professional career, is waiting to hear who his opponent will be but is definitely getting a fight on May 3.

He fights on the undercard of the Alex Arthur versus Stephen Foster WBO bout at the Meadowbank Arena in what will be the biggest night of his boxing career.

He said: “I have been training hard for five weeks now.

“The promoter Alex Morrison is going to confirm an opponent for me but as yet I’m a bit in the dark. But I’ll be ready.

“I was a bit disappointed that the last fight I had was against Billy Smith. I’d fought him a few weeks previously and the fight was only a four-rounder.

“But if you have to take these guys on to get the chance then so be it.”

Arthur’s popularity ensures the fight in his home city will be another sell-out and Burns is confident his loyal band of followers will make the short trip down the M8 to support him.

He said: “The first thing the interviewers comment on after my fights is my brilliant support.

“I’ve already sold about 50 tickets and I’m sure I’ll have plenty of backing.

“When I hear them singing my name it gives me a massive boost.”