DI ROCCO: I’VE GOT THE POWER

ITALIAN Michele di Rocco aims to make size matter by knocking out Ricky Burns in Glasgow on Saturday — and insists he will have no problems performing in front of a ferocious home crowd. Being naturally bigger than the Scot, who is pumping himself up rather than slimming down for the superlightweight divisions, he hopes to pip the Coatbridge fighter to the vacant WBA world title. The European superlightweight champion said: ‘I’m sure the Glasgow crowd will be loud and passionate. But it’s not the Coliseum. ‘Yes, I will be bigger than Ricky. I normally weigh five or six kilos above the superlightweight limit. ‘He’s a great fighter but I expect to be able to stop him because I will have more power. ‘Because he’s coming from a lighter weight class, I think Ricky has his own problems. But all the sacrifices I’ve made to make this weight, they will pay off because I will be the stronger man. ‘This is my chance to make something happen and I can’t let it slip away. I could not have more motivation than fighting for a world title.’ Di Rocco is stepping well out of his comfort zone against Burns, who is aiming to become the first Scot to win a world title in three different weight divisions. In contrast to the local hero, formerly WBO world champ at superfeatherweight and then lightweight, the 34-year-old has never fought beyond European title level and boasts only two pro bouts outside Italy. He has suffered just one loss in a 42-fight career of admittedly limited scope but the fact he has been undefeated for seven years does suggest a certain durability.