Burns’ top title hopes may have to smoulder a while longer

Jun 24 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

RICKY BURNS could be forced to wait until next year before landing a shot at a British or world boxing title.

The Commonwealth Super-Featherweight champion is desperate for a crack at the division’s top fighters.

But the 26-year-old’s manager, Alex Morrison, has revealed that he expects him to mount at least two more defences of his current title first.

Burns retained his belt with a points victory over gutsy Northern Irish star Kevin O’Hara. It was his 27th win in 29 fights and his 12th success in a row.

“I am going to let my management decide what will happen in the future,” he said.

“I know big Alex will get me the right fights at the right time.

“There are big fights out there. You’ve got Kevin Mitchell, the British champion, and the world champion, Roman Martinez, but I’ll leave everything to Alex and the guys.

“I won’t duck anyone. But if my management think I need another defence of my title, I am happy with that.”

Burns was taken the distance by battling Ulsterman O’Hara who gave the champ’s credentials a severe examination in Glasgow on Friday night.

The Coatbridge puncher was awarded a unanimous victory by the judges panel and he admitted he was caught out by the Belfast bruiser’s resolute display.

“He did surprise me,” added Burns. “I didn’t expect as tough a fight as that, and didn’t think that it would go the distance, but he is a tough laddie.”