Boxing: No shortage of reasons for Appleby fire on Saturday

Nobody has to tell Queensferry super featherweight Paul Appleby just how much of a crunch fight his battle for the WBO Intercontinental superfeathers crown is.

Appleby faces Ghanaian Joseph Laryea at Braehead Arena on Saturday for the title once worn by Edinburgh's Alex Arthur. And having been told that a win over Laryea could propel him into a massive all-Scottish world title clash with Coatbridge's ruling WBO champion, Ricky Burns - should Burns, as is likely, beat challenger Anders Evansen in his first title defence - Appleby is understandably fired up.

He said: "Even though I've been unable to get DVDs to study Laryea's ring style I'm encouraged by the fact that at 5ft 11in this Ghanaian guy is a tall opponent.

"I have been told that Laryea is quite speedy, a fast mover, so the best way to slow down such guys is plenty of my pet left hooks to the ribs and sides and that's how I plan to beat him.''

"I've had great sparring under Terry McCormack at the Lochend gym against Welterweight John Thain who is roughly the same height as Laryea and also a fast mover like the African.

Added Appleby: "I've also just sparred eight tremendous rounds against ex-world champion Alex Arthur.

"I helped Alex to prepare for many of his title fights so he's repaying me now by giving me world class sparring.

"I know that I should only think about one fight at a time but it's hard not to think about my world title clash with Ricky Burns.

"Ricky and I both respect each other a great deal. But I still think that, given the chance, I could take away his world title although it would be a very tough fight.

"Still, let's beat Laryea first, then I'll concentrate on Burns."