• Boxing

Burns triumphant as DeGale cruises in Glasgow

Ricky Burns made the second successful defence of his WBO super-featherweight title © PA Photos

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Ricky Burns defended his WBO super-featherweight title for the second time with victory over Joseph Laryea in Glasgow.

The Scot was awarded the win when his Ghanaian opponent retired with a hand injury after failing to come out for the eighth round.

After the pair exchanged blows in the early stages, Burns' impressive work rate began to make the difference as he worked the combinations to good effect against the rangy Laryea, who was beginning to fade.

Burns, whose record improves to 31-2, has now got his sights set on a unification fight against IBF champion Mzonke Fana, and could return to the ring as early as May.

"I noticed he was getting uncomfortable at the end there and I'm pleased with my performance," Burns told Sky Sports. "Things just keep better for me and I'm starting to get used to all the attention.

"I was enjoying the fight although I knew he was going to be difficult and awkward. His arms were longer than you think and I kept getting caught with the jab.

"Before they pulled him out, I felt as if I was getting on top of him. I like to go back to my boxing skills but sometimes I try to mix it up a little bit and I tried to enjoy myself in there tonight.

"I'm starting to get used to the status of being a world champion. So hopefully we can carry on and get the big fights now."

On the undercard, James DeGale strolled to a convincing victory over Alpay Kobal as he warmed up for his grudge match with George Groves.

DeGale fired a warning to his rival, producing an exhibition of shots as he improved his professional record to 10-0 with a fifth-round stoppage.

It was a one-sided contest, and referee Victor Loughlin called time on Kobal's suffering as the 2008 Olympic champion pummelled his French opponent with a series of uppercuts.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.