• Ricky Burns v Liam Walsh

Ricky Burns to meet Walsh for right to fight Broner

Ricky Burns outclassed Kevin Mitchell © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Broner aiming to dominate lightweights
  
• News: Price v Skelton to take place on November 30
  

Ricky Burns is heading for another all-British encounter after it was confirmed that he will meet European lightweight champion Liam Walsh in his next bout.

Burns was in sensational form when he finished Kevin Mitchell inside four rounds in his last outing, and he has been linked to a unification fight with WBC champ Adrien Broner.

That showdown will await the winner of Burns v Walsh, the latter of whom is coming off an eighth-round stoppage of Domenico Urbano at Upton Park.

"Walsh is a good strong fighter, he's unbeaten and this is his big chance to win the world title," Burns said.

"I was ringside when he fought [Paul] Appleby and he showed tremendous heart and strength to come through when he was deep in trouble. I'll be in the best shape possible and will leave nothing to chance for this one.

"The big motivator is a showdown with Broner, who I was accused of avoiding last year. Since moving up to lightweight and winning the world title my stock and profile has increased and now that it's a unification fight it's a much bigger fight than before."

Walsh, who has stopped 10 of his 13 opponents, is convinced he can pull off the upset when the pair meet.

"To fight for the world title is my dream and I'm going to cause a big upset on December 15 at the Excel when I take the crown from Burns," he said. "It's always been on my mind that I would fight him one day and it's now here.

"He's a great champion, I've studied and watched him throughout his career and I know I've got the tools to beat him. He's looked great in the last few years and he did a stunning job on Mitchell.

"He's in the prime of his career now so when I beat him people will know that I've beaten the best."

The Burns v Walsh fight appears on the same card as George Groves v Glen Johnson and Billy Joe Saunders against Nick Blackwell.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.