Burns had to go the distance against Ghanaian Akaba in London

Scotland's Ricky Burns claimed the vacant Commonwealth super-featherweight title with a points victory over Osumana Akaba in London on Friday.

The judges awarded Burns the verdict after going the full 12 rounds with the Ghanaian at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Burns had the better of the opening rounds but had to dig deep to convince the officials following Akaba's fightback in the latter stages.

The belt had been available since Kevin Mitchell chose to give up the title.

Burns will now look to challenge for Nicky Cook's WBO world title, won against fellow Scot Alex Arthur earlier in September.