Ricky has a burning desire to hit another high
Ricky Burns made his professional debut with a win over Woody Greenaway at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall in October, 2001.
Now, astonishingly, he’s one win away from marking the 21st anniversary of that contest with a 13th world title fight in his 40th year.
Burns turns 39 next month, but is still in peak condition and – although wife, Amanda, isn’t best pleased – he has his eyes on the prize of becoming Scotland’s first four-time world champion.
“When I signed with MTK last year, it was for a three-fight deal, which caused a bit of a problem with my missus,” he said.
“To be fair, I’d promised her I would retire after one more bout. But they came up with a plan which made sense for me.
“The first fight, against Argentinian, Emiliano Dominguez, last December, was a tune-up, which I won on points.
“The second, which is pencilled in for June, will be against a fighter in the top 10 rankings, and a win will shoot me right back up there. The third will be for a world title.
“I’ve been promised that the next fight will be at the Glasgow Hydro, and I can’t wait. After watching Josh Taylor’s fight against Jack Catterall, I’m desperate to box in Glasgow again.
“The fans create a brilliant atmosphere, and I’d love to perform for them.
“I’ve fought at the SECC, Braehead and the Hydro, but you shut everything out when you’re fighting and just concentrate on your opponent.
“As a result, I only ever realise how great the atmosphere is by watching the bouts back when I go home!
“I’ve always believed that I’d be the first to realise when I don’t have it any more, and sparring would tell me that.
“I’ve had 53 professional fights, and I’ve never taken a bad beating.
“The first time that happens – whether it’s in a proper match or in the gym – then I’ll be out.”
Ricky has also found a new lease of life by coaching the stars of tomorrow at Boxing Scotland’s gym in Glasgow’s east end.
“I wasn’t sure whether I’d ever fight again, or even what I would do if I didn’t,” he said. “Boxing is all I’ve ever known.
“However, being involved with the young boxers over the past year has been really good for me.
“It’s pleasing to give something back , and the boys are already at a good level.
“They’ve had me on the road, visiting countries for tournaments, and training camps in places like Serbia and Russia.
“There’s a big few months coming up for these kids, with the Commonwealth Games in Birminghamin July and August.”