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Victorious Burns eyes century of fights

Ricky Burns outpointed Michael Katsidis on Saturday © Getty Images

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Ricky Burns' love for boxing runs so deep he says he wants to rack up 100 fights before walking away from the sport.

The Scot produced a disciplined display to outpoint the aggressive Michael Katsidis and claim the WBO interim lightweight title at Wembley Arena. Making his debut as a lightweight, Burns withstood relentless advances from his Australian foe and was rewarded for his cleaner work by taking the contest on all three judges' scorecards.

The 28-year-old, who relinquished his WBO super-featherweight strap to move up to 135lbs, will be a recognised two-weight champion if he beats Juan Manuel Marquez - who is preparing to take on Manny Pacquiao on November 12 - or should the Mexican legend vacate his WBO crown.

After such a bruising encounter, rest is all that is on Burns' mind, but he is already planning on enjoying a long and successful career.

"This fight was so much more comfortable for me, moving up," Burns said. "It means no more boiling down to make the weight because for my last couple of defences of the WBO super-featherweight belt I was really, really struggling.

"I'll have a wee break and whoever I fight next, so be it. I want to have a hundred fights. That's how much I love boxing. I've always said I'll never, ever leave it and as long as I'm not getting hurt then I'll keep fighting into my late 30s, definitely."

While Burns, who took his record to 33 wins and two losses with victory over Katsidis, enjoys his first win in a new division, his trainer Billy Nelson is already eyeing more success in another weight class.

"I know it's premature but I do believe he can move up again and win a world title at light-welterweight," said Nelson. "He looked massive in that ring. In maybe 18 months or two years he could go up again."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.