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Page last updated at 22:48 GMT, Friday, 19 June 2009 23:48 UK

Burns overcomes O'Hara in Glasgow

Kevin O'Hara (left) and Ricky Burns (right)
Burns (right) has now successfully defended his title three times

Scotland's Ricky Burns overcame Irishman Kevin O'Hara on points in Glasgow to successfully defend his Commonwealth super-featherweight title.

In an explosive 12-round encounter the judges scored it a unanimous 117-110, 115-113, 117-111 in favour of Burns.

O'Hara was deducted a point in the ninth for using the head and Burns occasionally complained of low blows.

Whilst the Scot was not at his best, he was the tidier fighter and landed enough blows to justify the victory.

"I was happy with my body shots, I felt the left hand was working well," said Burns. "But I know there is room for more improvement."

606: DEBATE
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O'Hara hinted at some explosive power but was almost too keen to throw the big punches, leaving himself exposed to a couple of sweet left hooks and one terrific body shot from the Coatbridge boxer.

Burns, 26, appeared uncomfortable in some clinches, his earlier class fading as he occasionally allowed his opponent to drag the fight into a brawl.

However, he recovered his composure and by the end landed some neat point-scoring right-handers.

"He was just trying for the big hooks but I knew they were coming," said Burns. "He was a tough fighter.

"I will go on holiday and when I come back I will watch the fight with my trainer Billy Nelson and go back to the drawing board and work on what needs to be done."



see also
Burns overcomes O'Hara in Glasgow
19 Jun 09 |  Boxing
Burns treats O'Hara with respect
27 May 09 |  Boxing
Burns retains title against Gomez
27 Mar 09 |  Boxing
Burns claims Commonwealth crown
27 Sep 08 |  Boxing


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