• Light-welterweight

Burns ready for light-welterweight bow

ESPN staff
September 18, 2014
Ricky Burns says he is ready to move up to Light-welterweight © PA Photos
Enlarge

Ricky Burns will take on Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez in Leeds on October 4, in what will be his first bout since moving up to the light-welterweight division.

Burns' decision to move up a weight-class comes after consecutive losses in the lightweight division and the former WBO champion is without a win since May 2013.

The 31-year-old surrendered his WBO belt to Terence Crawford in March, before missing out on the WBC international title to Dejan Zlaticanin in June, but Burns believes he can now concentrate on getting back to his best.

"I believe that the move up in weight will really benefit me," Burns said. "The lightweight limit was proving tougher to make in my last few fights so that's now behind me and I can concentrate on working on my boxing in the gym with Tony Sims."

Burns has been winless since breaking his jaw in the split decision draw against Raymundo Beltran last September, resulting in an operation requiring the insertion of a titanium plate. However, he believes his new weight of 140lbs provides him with the opportunity to challenge for a world title once again.

"It has been a tough year following the Raymundo Beltran fight but I'm feeling great in the gym and the fire and desire is still there to achieve big things," Burns added. "I'm looking to show in Leeds that I've still got the goods to challenge for major belts and ultimately, win another world title."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices