O'Hara fight biggest of my career, says Burns

Published on Wednesday 27 May 2009 22:49

RICKY Burns will treat next month's Commonwealth featherweight title defence against Kevin O'Hara as if it was a world title shot.

Coatbridge boxer Burns is in no rush to become a world champion but knows he will face an even longer wait for his big chance if he fails to take out Belfast's O'Hara at the Bellahouston Leisure Centre in Glasgow on 19 June.

"This is my world title fight," said Burns, who will be making the third defence of his Commonwealth crown. "If I get beaten, it's another year or two years waiting to get back in the title mix again so this is the biggest fight of my career."

Asked when he saw himself making the step up, Burns added: "I'm in no rush. I'm only 26; I'm just going to leave it to my management and promotion team. I know that they'll get me the fights at the right time.

"Obviously, if a world title fight comes up, I'm more than happy to take it."

Burns (24-2) has won his last nine fights and, after struggling to knock opponents out earlier in his career, he is bidding for a hat-trick of stoppages.

"I'm getting better and better with every fight," he said. "If you look at the first fight I started training with Billy Nelson, the improvements have been coming. Every fight seems to be getting better and better and this is just another chance for me to prove it."

O'Hara, 27, has not fought in Scotland since losing on points to Willie Limond almost four years ago. But the Northern Irishman (16-4) insists he is a hugely improved boxer.

"From the Willie Limond fight, I've come on leaps and bounds as a fighter," he said. "I was very immature when I took that fight but now I'm ready for whatever comes."

O'Hara stepped in to take on Burns after Steve Foster Jnr pulled out. He said: "Once we got the phone call, the whole team in the gym were over the moon." He is unfazed about returning to Glasgow, while Burns is hoping to make the most of home advantage. "If I fight in Glasgow, I always bring a great crowd," he said. "I've got a good support here up in Glasgow. "I'm sure come 19 June they're all going to be out again."

Yesterday's press conference hosted by the fighters was in stark contrast to the build-up to Burns' last bout against Michael Gomez, where the duo had to be separated on more than one occasion.

Burns said: "I've got a lot more respect for Kevin O'Hara than I did Michael Gomez."