Burns ready to set Kelvin Hall alight

Coatbridge’s Ricky Burns looks to have finally got his big chance on the world stage, when Frank Warren got him, (Burns) a fixed date for the WBO super-featherweight title fight against Roman Martinez of Puerto Rico, and it is to be held in the Kelvin Hall Glasgow on the 4^th September as an added incentive.

 

Warren successfully manoeuvred the political minefield that is organising and sealing such a championship bout, even if it has meant that Burns’ has been relatively inactive waiting for his opportunity.

 

There is no doubt that the Coatbridge man will not be found wanting in terms of his preparation, since this represents the pinnacle of any boxers career, and 27 year old Burns is quoted as saying "It's been dragging on for nine months, first I was set to fight him in Puerto Rico, then it was coming here, then Puerto Rico again. There were times I wondered if it was ever going to happen. Now the date has been set, it's all systems go. I know it won't be an easy fight, but it's a big opportunity for me and I know I can win it.”

 

Also featuring on this world title headlining bill will be Greenock’s John Simpson defending his Commonwealth featherweight title against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith and the debut under Frank Warren’s promotional wing, of South Queensferry’s Paul Appleby, whose career has stalled somewhat since his meteoric start in the professional ranks was rudely halted by Martin Lindsay in Belfast some 14 months ago when he lost his British featherweight title.

 

It has the making of a classic night of boxing in that old and venerable venue.