BBC Sportboxing

Related BBC sites

Page last updated at 19:46 GMT, Wednesday, 27 May 2009 20:46 UK

Burns treats O'Hara with respect

By Keir Murray

Ricky Burns and Kevin O'Hara
Burns makes his third defence of his Commonwealth title on 19 June

Coatbridge boxer Ricky Burns says he is in no rush to land a world title fight, but considers his next bout, against Kevin O'Hara, just as important.

Burns will make his third defence of his Commonwealth super-featherweight belt against 27-year-old O'Hara, from Belfast, in Glasgow on 19 June.

"This is my world title fight," said Burns, a year younger than O'Hara.

"If I get beaten, it's a year or two to get back in the title mix again so this is the biggest fight of my career."

The Irish challenger is a replacement for Steve Foster Jr, who has pulled out of the bout, but Burns insists the change in opponent has not affected his training.

"Preparations have been excellent," said Burns.

"I am getting good sparring with Willie Limond, and John Simpson has been helping me out. The atmosphere in the gym has been fantastic.

"I'm just going out to do my own thing come fight night and I am 100% confident that the belt is staying in Glasgow."

Burns, with a record of 24 wins in 26 fights, last defended his Commonwealth belt in March when he stopped Michael Gomez in the seventh round in a bout that had been acrimonious in the build-up.

"I've got a lot more respect for guys like Kevin O'Hara. He's a nice guy. He's just going in there to do a job, the same as me," said the title holder.

"With Gomez, there was no need for all the antics, but that fight is in the past. All my sights are on Kevin O'Hara."

Burns' opponent has four losses in 20 professional fights and is delighted to have the chance to fight for the Commonwealth crown.

The atmosphere at my last fight was electric

Ricky Burns

"I've been chasing this opportunity and when we got the call we were all over the moon in the gym. May the best man win."

The bout, promoted by Frank Warren, takes place in Glasgow's Bellahouston Leisure Centre, a venue favoured by Burns.

"It's not too big and it's not too small. The atmosphere at my last fight there was electric.

"Anywhere I've fought in Scotland the atmosphere is always good and it's going to be the same again.

"The fan base that I've got in Glasgow, especially Coatbridge where I come from, everybody always comments on it, and I reckon they will be out in their droves come 19 June."



see also
Burns plans third title defence
12 May 09 |  Boxing
Burns retains title against Gomez
27 Mar 09 |  Boxing
Burns claims Commonwealth crown
27 Sep 08 |  Boxing


related internet links:
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites