King of ring Ricky given new crown

Coat b r i d g e b ox i n g champion Ricky Burns delivered another knockout result.

The local hero was crowned inspirational performance winner at the pretigious Sunday Mail and Sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards.

Written off as a spent force in world boxing after hitting a losing streak of three fights in four in the lightweight division – and turning 33 into the bargain – the beloved fighter was off the radar at the top level.

But coming in at light welterweight he was given a crack at the WBA belt vacated by top American Adrien Broner.

At a Glasgow Hydro packed with fans singing his name back in May, he rocked the rafters as he overpowered Italian Michele di Rocco, stopping him in the eighth round.

Prize fighter Ricky become the first ever Scot – and only the third Brit, with the last coming 24 years ago – to win world titles in three different divisions.

Ricky scooped his inspirational performance prize at the tenth annual Sunday Mail and Sportscotland Scottish Sports Awards at a glittering ceremony at the Doubletree by Hilton Glasgow Central.

Sportscotland chair Mel Young said: “The awards recognised the exceptional achievements of 2016 and reinforced the message that there are people right across the country fully committed to the task of building a world- class sporting system for everyone in Scotland.

“The great thing about the Scottish Sports Awards is the way they bring together the household names who dominate media coverage of professional sport in our country and those less heralded individuals who underpin sport in our schools, clubs and community sport hubs.

“I congratulate our exceptional winners and finalists and applaud all of those who were nominated for the various awards for their valuable contribution to Scottish sport.”

The awards bring together household names and less heralded individuals

Proud as punch Ricky with his trophy