Eilidh handed a Dalilah rematch
not to bet against a guy who earned a draw in a world title fight with a broken jaw.
The Rickster returned from two years in the wilderness to become a three-weight world champ – only the third Brit to achieve the feat – with victory over Italian Michele di Rocco at a howling Hydro.
That was a special night but it was his defence of his WBA super lightweight crown just a few weeks after the Towell tragedy that really announced his return to the big time.
Us boxing hacks didn’t like the sound of Kiryl Relikh. He was an unknown quantity with an unbeaten record and had former world champ Hatton in his corner.
But Burns put him in his place with a superb display. It was a tactical masterclass with enough grit to get North Lanarkshire Council through the winter.
Burns was back on his throne and now the best in the world are after his crown.
It’s just a shame Adrian Broner and Terence Crawford – the two superstars on the radar – keep getting thrown in the clink. But if they can keep their noses clean, a mega-fight in the States awaits.
Burns is not done yet but the future looks bright in Scottish boxing. There are real prospects making their way in the game.
Josh Taylor is the heir to the Burns dynasty. The Edinburgh kid has been no overnight sensation but his display in winning the Commonwealth title against Dale Ryan live on Channel 5 made the rest of the UK take notice.
Taylor can tick Las Vegas off his list in January when he fights on Barry McGuigan stablemate Carl Frampton’s undercard but he will be back – and next time it will be his name in lights.
Commonwealth Games stars Charlie Flynn and Joe Ham, pictured right, are also making huge strides while Kieran Smith is clobbering everything in his way.
Add in Stephen Simmons, Scott Cardle, David Brophy, Iain Butcher, Scott Allan, John McCallum, Jason Easton, Craig MacIntyre, Stewart Burt and Jay McFarlane and the list of potential British, Commonwealth and European champions seems endless – maybe even potential world champions.
The kids are coming but even the old guard are back in business with Willie Limond set for a big fight and Ian Milarvie and Lee McAllister lacing up their gloves again.
None of them will forget Mike Towell and despite all the darkness you can still see the stars. EILIDH DOYLE will get a rematch with hurdles rival Dalilah Muhammad at the Muller Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham.
Scots star Doyle was out of the medals as the American took 400metres hurdles gold at the Rio Olympics but rebounded to claim bronze in the relay.
And the pair are now set to go head to head again over 400m at the Barclaycard Arena on February 18.
Doyle said: “I always love competing in Birmingham. It will be great to get back on the track and test myself in a 400m.
“It will be a strong field so I can see how my winter training has been going . There is a big year ahead with the Worlds taking place in London and this will be an important part of my build-up.”