CROLLA OR BUST FOR SCOT BURNS

RICKY BURNS admits that his October 7 showdown with Anthony Crolla in Manchester is make or break in his bid to regain his status as a world champion at the age of 34. The history-making three-weight champion from Coatbridge — the first Scot to achieve the feat — must prove that he remains a credible force after suffering a comprehensive points defeat at the hands of Namibian Julius Indongo back in April. Having previously prevailed at super-featherweight and lightweight, Burns’ failed attempt to unify the super-lightweight title gave rise to speculation that he had reached the end of the road in the sport. But while viewing his nontitle bout with 30-year-old Crolla at the city’s MEN Arena as crucial in determining his future plans, he is adamant the thought of quitting has not even crossed his mind. ‘Everyone keeps asking me how long I have left,’ he said yesterday. ‘But I think I have two or three years. ‘The first time I take too many punches or turn up for training and don’t enjoy it, that will be it, but at the minute I am really looking forward to this fight and I am 100 per cent up for it. ‘It’s make or break for both of us and it’s going to be a hard, tough fight. ‘But at this stage of my career I don’t see the point in getting an easy win. ‘I’d rather go in with a big name, knowing that if I win, I am going to progress and, hopefully, I can get another title shot.’ Burns is dropping back down to lightweight to accommodate Crolla after claiming that he was making the 140lbs super-lightweight limit too easily. Crolla previously held the world lightweight title before back-to-back defeats by Venezuelan Jorge Linares.