Fear can inspire Burns
Ricky Burns believes the "fear factor" in fighting WBO world super-featherweight champion Roman Martinez will spur him on to victory when they meet at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on September 4.
After months of wrangling between the two camps, the Coatbridge boxer will at last get his title chance against the unbeaten Puerto Rican, who won the title by beating Nicky Cook in Manchester last year.
Both fighters joined a conference call to publicise the first world title fight in Scotland in five years and Burns, 27, claimed he will be inspired by the impressive Martinez, who is odds-on favourite to keep his belt. "I know that by fighting Roman, I am stepping up to world class. I admit that," the Scotsman said. "But he gives me the fear factor and that will give me the edge. The better the opponent, the better I box."
Burns' preparations are well underway, and he insists he has been totally focused on the long-awaited world title opportunity. "I was ready to fight in Puerto Rico in March before it was postponed," he said.
"For weeks I have just been thinking about the fight and the added pressure of fighting in front of my home fans. But the preparations have been excellent, the weight is good and I have started heavy sparring. I will also be bringing in heavier sparring partners with different styles."
Martinez, speaking through an interpreter, seemed confident about facing the Scotsman who will have the backing of more than 2,000 fight fans in the Kelvin Hall. "I have no problems going to Glasgow, I am ready to go there and return with my title," Martinez said.
"I think I will win the fight by knockout. I will be working to the body in the early rounds to try and wear him down before I stop him."
Date published :
21 Jul 2010 - 16:32:29
