BURNS AIMS TO BREAK HARRISON'S RECORD

 

WBO World Super-Featherweight champion Ricky Burns wants to beat Scott Harrison's Scottish record of seven successful world title defences.

 

Coatbridge hero Burns makes the third and hardest defence of his title on Saturday 16th July at Liverpool's Echo Arena against the former Champion Nicky Cook, live on Sky Sports 1HD.

 

Although Burns is very much taking his career one fight at a time, he can't help but have an eye on the bigger picture.

 

That includes becoming even more successful than Harrison, who enjoyed two reigns as WBO World Featherweight king and to step up a division and do the same there.

 

"I grew up watching Scott when I was a young professional, and he was an inspirational figure," said Burns.

 

"There were some great nights for Scottish boxing when he defended his world title at the Braehead Arena and I featured on the undercard which was a great learning experience.

 

"He had so much success that everyone thought his record would never be broken, but a win for me against Nicky Cook on July 16 and I am almost half way to matching him.

 

"I just want to fight at world level for as long as I possibly can, beat the best names out there and really cement my name in the history books.

 

Burns is also eyeing a move to the lightweight division which could offer more big fights, bearing in mind John Murray and Kevin Mitchell battle it out a week earlier.

 

"I would love to move up to lightweight and maybe light-welter, in this day and age you have to move up through the weights to prove yourself, look at Manny Pacquiao.

 

"I'm just getting started as a world champion and there is plenty more to come from me, I feel confident that I can hold on to the world title for a very long time because I'm dedicated and down-to-earth.

 

"Scotland has had some great fighters over the years, and I know Jim Watt and Ken Buchanan were great world champions as well in very tough eras.

 

"It's not up to me to decide what my legacy will be, I just have to keep on winning and that's what I plan to do against Nicky Cook."

 

Tickets, priced at £50, £80 and £100, are available on 0844 8000 400 or

Purchase your tickets here for next month's hotly anticipated 'Big Brawl'; a night of incredible British boxing on July 23rd at Wembley Arena.

Featuring the newly crowned and explosive British light welterweight champion Ashley Theophane in his first title defence, and also the British and Commonwealth heavyweight title clash between Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora, it promises to be THE best night of British boxing this year.

For so long the 'best kept secret of the boxing world', after years spent sparring in the hardest gyms from London and Brooklyn with some of the world's toughest boxers, Ashley Theophane's genuine talent and determination have brought him to the cusp of greatness.

It's a journey that has propelled Ashley Theophane to that of world title contender; a fighter who understands and exemplifies the art, tactics and reading of the sport as much as the critical physical conditioning.

For the champions and top ranking boxers that have avoided him over the years to protect their status, his time has now come.

There is no longer any hiding place - the 'best of the best' know they now have to beat him to fully deserve their crown.

As Ashley says, "I've come from nothing - so I have nothing to lose. I'm prepared to go through hell because I've been there before".

Watch this space. Because Ashley Theophane will soon be the name on everybody's lips.

DOUBLE ACTION HEFFRON

 

Top prospect Ronnie Heffron is looking forward to a busy week in July when he boxes twice on two Frank Warren shows.

 

The Oldham hot shot is one of the country's brightest young talents after winning the 2009 ABA light-welterweight title as a teenager.

 

Still only 20, he's won five out of five as a professional.

 

And now he's looking for two more wins on July 9 at London's ExCeL Arena, and July 16 at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

 

"It's fantastic to be busy," said Heffron.

 

"You have to take your opportunities when they come as a pro, and when Frank offered me two fights in seven days I said yes straight away.

 

"I want to be fighting for titles by the end of the year, and two outings this summer will put me in pole position to push on."

 

Trained by Anthony Farnell, Heffron regularly spars with the likes of amateur world champion Frankie Gavin.

 

And he'll be putting those tough rounds to good use at Liverpool Echo Arena when he takes on former British welterweight title challenger Barrie Jones.

 

"I want to test myself against the best domestically," said Heffron.

 

"I've got a big week coming up, and the chance to box on two huge shows is a fantastic opportunity."

 

Promoter Warren added: "I've been very impressed with Ronnie's progress as a professional, and I'm expecting big things from him.

 

"Boxing twice in a week gives him a great chance to shine in front of two big crowds in Liverpool and London, and really put his name out there for title fights later on this year."