Ricky taking Garden leave
BOXING LATEST Burns poised to go Stateside in the summer
RICKY BURNS is set to launch another world title bid in New York.
The Coatbridge ace has been lined up to fight on the undercard of Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Jarrell Miller at Madison Square Garden on June 1.
The three-weight world champion is looking to get back on the title trail after dismantling Scott Cardle in November and a rematch with Raymundo Beltran is on the table.
Burns turns 36 in April but he’s convinced he can return to the top in the next 12 months and is determined to put on a show in the Big Apple.
Manager Alex Morrison said: “Age doesn’t come into it with Ricky. Time is ticking but he is in tremendous condition and as hungry as ever.
“There is an opportunity to fight on the Joshua card and if the opponent is right it would be an attractive proposition for him. Ricky proved against Cardle he is still way above domestic level and he believes he has another world title in him.
“It’s been a frustrating spell for him as the big fights he wants have not worked out.
“But he has kept himself in great shape in the gym and is ready for any challenge that comes his way.” Burns is also in the frame to fight in Glasgow as part of the World Boxing Super Series show on May 18 when Josh Taylor faces Ivan Baranchyk for the IBF super-lightweight title.
The former WBA champ had lined up another crack at Beltran Stateside last year but the Mexican stepped up from lightweight to stop an unbeaten Hiroki Okada.
Burns has the option of moving up to face Beltran, 37, five-and-a-half years after their draw in Glasgow when the Scot battled for 10 rounds with a broken jaw.
Burns said he “will fight anyone at all” and added: “I have fought in America before and I would love to go back.”
Meanwhile, John McCallum is determined to land a big belt after missing out on the Celtic title despite cruising to victory against Casey Blair.
Blair failed to make the scales at the weigh-in but Edinburgh light heavyweight McCallum said: “Hopefully this win will open doors.”
Ricky has kept himself in great shape and is ready for any challenge ALEX MORRISON ON BURNS’S AMBITION