The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)

October title defence for Burns

-

Scots boxer Ricky Burns will defend his WBA world superlight­weight title against unbeaten mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh at Glasgow’s Hydro on October 7.

The 26-year-old Belarus fighter has won 19 of 21 fights inside the distance and is trained and promoted by Ricky Hatton.

Burns became Scotland’s first threeweigh­t world champion after stopping Michele di Rocco in Glasgow in May. Elgin City defender Mark Nicolson is determined to play his part in maintainin­g a solid Black and Whites defence this season.

City’s 1-0 defeat by Arbroath last week saw them concede for the first time this season after starting with back-to-back victories against Cowdenbeat­h and Edinburgh City.

Manager Jim Weir reserved particular praise for his side’s defensive display after its opening day 1-0 victory against the recently relegated Blue Brazil, who are among the favourites for promotion from League 2 this season.

City are in action today

“Team that concedes the least is going to be up there”

against Forfar Athletic, who also suffered relegation from League 1 last term, andNicolso­n believes his players can take inspiratio­n from their victory against the Fifers.

Nicolson said: “It will take a similar kind of performanc­e, we need to be tight at the back again.

“We have the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded once. Going forwardwek­nowwe have players who are going to score but the defence is going to be a big part in our season.

“Last season our away form wasn’t particular­ly great, we conceded in far

WEEKEND

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom