Easton knows returning Burns will have work cut out against Englishman

BOXING’S tight-knit band of brothers rarely refuse a favour for one of their own.

But Jason Easton, the Edinburgh super-lightweight, hopes that fellow Scot Ricky Burns will not seek his assistance ahead of the former three-weight world champion’s return to the ring this coming weekend.

Easton is ideally placed to provide Burns (right) with inside information on the 34-year-old Coatbridge boxer’s opponent at the MEN Arena, Anthony Crolla.

Having sparred with Crolla in the build-up to Saturday’s non-title contest, 26-year-old Easton is ideally placed to assess the Englishman’s attributes.

But Easton explained that it will not be possible to supply details, as it would be morally wrong for him to break his code of omerta.

He said: ‘If I talked about any weaknesses he might have that Burns can exploit, that would be disrespectful. Crolla was good enough to invite me to spar with him so I am not going to divulge any secrets. What I will say is that we did eight rounds and it was an absolute sauna in the gym, but that didn’t seem to be a problem for him.’

Easton warned Burns he will have his work cut out when he attempts to put his career back on track in the aftermath of his world title defeat by Julius Indongo.

He added: ‘Crolla has got a very good defence and he’s very fit, so it will be as tough a fight as any Burns has had previously. Crolla has fought at the highest level.’

INVERNESS heavyweight Gary Cornish has split with his trainer Billy Nelson to sign with Prestonbased cornerman Johnney Roye.