Boxing: Ricky Burns ready to fight friend Kevin Mitchell in Glasgow bout

Published on 03/07/2012 00:00

Kevin Mitchell and Ricky Burns will cast their friendship aside when they meet for the WBO world lightweight title on 22 September. Burns will make the second defence of his crown at the SECC in Glasgow in one of the most eagerly-awaited domestic showdowns of recent times.

The Scot was outstanding in his victory over Michael Katsidis – a fighter who flattened Mitchell inside three rounds – but the challenger has since revived his career with a thrilling win against John Murray. The respect between the British rivals has developed into a friendship that Mitchell insists will be a distant memory once hostilities commence.

“You can’t beat Ricky’s personality. He’s a lovely man and a mate of mine,” the 27-year-old from Dagenham said. “We genuinely get on well and there won’t be any trash talking. But, once we get in the ring, we fight. That’s our job. I’m determined to win it, but I know I’m in for a hard night’s work.

Burns, who will continue his part-time job at a local sports shop in Coatbridge during training, is equally ruthless. “Come fight night, the friendship is over. This is business time,” he said.