Boxing: Ricky Burns forced to abandon world title warm-up

Published on Wednesday 25 November 2009 22:43

THE World Boxing Organisation has forced Scotland's Commonwealth super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns to abandon plans to undertake a world title warm-up fight at Newcastle's Metro Arena on 5 December.

The 26-year-old from Coatbridge had been scheduled to appear with fellow Scot Alex Arthur, the former WBO champion from Edinburgh, and Greenock's John Simpson on the undercard of Amir Khan's light-welterweight title defence against Dmitriy Salita.

But the WBO indicated in a letter to Burns' manager Alex Morrison that the boxer would put his proposed bout with champion Roman Martinez in jeopardy if he proceeded with his plan. They expressed concern that an injury to Burns could disrupt arrangements for the world title contest to be staged early in the New Year.

The WBO has also indicated to Frank Warren, who promotes Burns jointly with Morrison, that he has 20 days to negotiate a deal with 26-year-old Martinez. Otherwise the fight will be opened to purse bids.

But Warren is understood to be confident he can persuade Martinez to put his title on the line in Glasgow, in February, according to a spokesman for the London promoter who succeeded in gaining home advantage for former champion Nicky Cook when he faced the Puerto Rican.

Burns (27-2) has won his past 12 bouts, but was unconvincing in his most recent Commonwealth defence against Kevin O'Hara in June. "I know I had an off night," said Burns. "But, again, I know I can have an off night and still win."