Burns unfazed by Martinez antics
Ricky Burns declared himself unfazed by the antics of Roman Martinez at the weigh-in for Saturday's WBO super-featherweight title fight in Glasgow.Champion Martinez, from Puerto Rico, made a cut-throat gesture during the traditional stare-down, which Coatbridge fighter Burns found amusing.
"I just laughed it off - he won't be doing anything like that once we are in that ring," said Burns.
"We made the weight perfectly, that's the hard part, so now it's party time."
With Burns facing the scales on Friday afternoon he was forced to pull out of best man duties at his brother's wedding - but said his family are well aware of the importance of the fight.
As long as I stay focused for 12 rounds, I'll be leaving with that world title. Super-featherweight Ricky Burns "They understand that it's a big fight for me," added the 27-year-old former Commonwealth super-featherweight champion and British and European title challenger.
"I had to pull out of being best man because the day of the weigh-in is the worst bit about it. I didn't want any more stress than there already was on me so I stepped down."
Meanwhile, Burns is hoping the noise generated by his fans in Glasgow's Kelvin Hall can propel him to world title glory.
Burns told BBC Scotland: "Every boxer wants home support, especially in the later rounds.
"I've an excellent support that follows me. They help to spur me on. I'm sure it's going to be a night to remember."
Burns may need all the help he can get, given his opponent's record.
Does Burns have enough to wrest the title from Martinez? Martinez, also 27, stopped Essex fighter Nicky Cook in Manchester in March 2009 to claim the WBO crown and has a record that suggests he will be a formidable foe.
"Twenty-five fights, 15 knockouts, we all know he is a big puncher," stated Burns.
"Watching his last few fights, you can see he does try to box, but he always reverts to his old tactics, trying to drag you into a brawl.
"I've proved that I can take a shot. From when I was an amateur, I would never duck anyone in a fight. I was always up for fighting the best. This is a chance to prove to myself that I belong at that level."
Burns's trainer Billy Nelson, also in charge of John Simpson's preparations for his Commonwealth featherweight title defence against Stephen Smith on the undercard, has been impressed by the progress his fighter has made, suggesting he is in the best shape of his career.
Burns himself is in no mood to disagree.
"The preparation has been excellent. I can't wait to get in there and get on with the job in hand," continued Burns, who has 28 wins from 30 fights.
"There have been a few setbacks and delays with the fight. Originally it was meant to be in Puerto Rico but my management and promoter got me home advantage, so it will be a great night for Scottish boxing.
"As long as I stay focused for 12 rounds I'll be leaving with that world title.
"Every boxer is the same - as soon as you put on those gloves in a world title fight, you can't get any bigger than that, and I have the chance to fulfil everything that I have ever wanted."
Date published :
03 Sep 2010 - 18:52:51
