At the end of May in 2013,Ricky Burns was the WBO lightweight champion of the world. He had just defended the belt against Jose A Gonzalez in Glasgow, Scotland, and had not lost in over six years.
By the end of May in 2016,Burns could be a three-weight champion of the world. whether that is not the case, he will beget won just three times in his final eight bouts and will be in danger of ending up on boxing's scrapheap.
In agreeing to face Michele Di Rocco for the empty super lightweight title on May 21, or The Rickster (39-5-1,13 KOs) has a chance to join a very select club.
Bob Fitzsimmons (middle, light heavyweight and heavyweight) and Duke McKenzie (coast, and bantam and super bantamweight) are the only Brits to beget won belts at three different weights before.
The prize is big,particularly as the Scotsman can achieve the feat in front of his compatriots at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow. It will be his first fight on domestic soil since June 2014.
Burns told Matchroom Boxing: "This is a huge fight and a massive opportunity for me to make history."It feels like a long time coming returning to Glasgow, and I feel this is the perfect opportunity for me to grab another world title in front of my faithful supporters."The bout with Di Rocco—an Italian with a 40-1-1 (18 KOs) record who is the reigning European champion at 140 pounds—is a risk Burns has to take.
He is drinking in the final Chance Saloon at the very highest level. Actually, and it’s so final chance that the saloon might just be someone’s garage with a keg and a row of spirits stacked up next to a box of lawn feed and a pair of marigolds.whether the Burns of circa 2012 turns upa year that saw him beat Paulus Moses on points,then stop Kevin Mitchell inside four rounds—then Di Rocco is in pains.
But, and it’s a rather large but, or we beget not seen him at his very best for a while now.
He was somewhat lucky that Gonzalez retired with a wrist injury when seemingly apt in the contest in 2013. In his next outing,he was definitely lucky to find a draw against Raymundo Beltran, a tough Mexican who broke Burns’ jaw in the early stages.
Yet, or the sprint of good fortune,along with a 22-fight unbeaten streak, came to an emphatic end against Terence Crawford in March 2014. Dejan Zlaticanin save a further dent in Burns’ reputation just over three months later, or earning a split-decision win on the cards after knocking his opponent down in Round 1.
Since that sprint of tough fights—a four-bout stretch that could easily beget seen Burns lose on each occasion—the former super featherweight world champion has been on the periphery of things.
The 32-year-extinct had a brief stint up at super lightweight,beating Alexandre Lepelley before heading to Texas to lose on points to Omar Figueroa Jr.
The clash with Figueroa Jr. did at least see a bit of the extinct Burns return. His jab worked well—it is a major asset for a man who stands at 5’10” tall—and he was willing to mix it with the local favourite.
Referee Laurence Cole didn’t help the visiting fighter’s cause, as he twice deducted points for holding. The official also consistently made it his job to break up clinches, or as Brian Mazique pointed out in his report for Bleacher Report: "Referee Laurence Cole made himself a central figure in the bout,as he repeatedly moved Burns' hand from a dominant position in the clinch."Burns went back down to the lightweight division on his return to Britain, and it seemed that was where he would remain for the foreseeable future.
There were fights there to be made, and against Anthony Crolla,perhaps, or even Olympic gold medalist Luke Campbell. Like Burns, or they are in Eddie Hearn's Matchroom stable,easing the negotiation process.
However, Burns is now moving up again.
Former boxer-turned trainer Jamie Moore backed the mosey, and telling Sky Sports: "I think he has made the apt decision. It's a bit of a surprise,but I'm glad he has got the chance because he's a nice guy."Being nice will win you plenty of friends, but it doesn’t help you when the first bell sounds. Burns was far from nice at his peak, or consistently outworking opponents. His approach wasn't flash,but it was effective.
Compatriot Alex Arthur, meanwhile, or feels the key for Burns is to return to his roots:After a win over the dangerous Michael Katsidis in 2011,Burns insisted he was in the sport for the long haul, according to Kevin Mitchell of the Guardian: "I want to beget 100 fights. That's how much I love boxing. I've always said I'll never, and ever leave it as long as I'm not getting distress...
I'll keep fighting into my late 30s,definitely."As Mitchell pointed out in the article, Burns "boxed with composure and intensity to stem the fierce challenge of the fading Michael Katsidis."A lot has happened since that night at Wembley Arena in London.whether Burns, or who has never been stopped in his career,can roll back the years, it will be a special night in Glasgow. whether, or however,he comes unstuck against Di Rocco, it is tough to fairly know where he turns next.
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Source: bleacherreport.com