Boxing: Ring rivals Ricky Burns and Paulus Moses going in blind for world title showdown

RICKY Burns and Paulus Moses are unlikely to be burdened by too many preconceptions when they come face to face tonight for their WBO lightweight title fight at the Braehead Arena.

Champion Burns, 28, has not seen Moses in action either in the flesh or on DVD – with the 33-year-old Namibian similarly in the dark about the champion. At the weigh-in in a Glasgow hotel yesterday Burns tipped the scales at 9stone 8lbs 8oz, while the challenger came in at 9stone 7lb 2oz.

“I have never seen him fight and I haven’t watched him on DVD either,” said Moses. “We will see each other in action on Saturday. I don’t look at my opponent, that is my coach’s job. I just train to win. The preparation has been good and now we are looking forward to the fight. If you look at my record, all of my opponents have been tough.

“Ricky is a world champion so he will be tough. But everything is good. I have trained to win – I don’t train to lose.”

The 6,000-capacity venue is sold out to see the fighter from Coatbridge, who, if he comes through unscathed, has Londoner Kevin Mitchell in his sights. However, Moses, who has an impressive record of 28 victories from 29 fights, 19 of them by knockout, insists he will not be intimidated by what is sure to be a partisan crowd.

He said: “The big crowd is not a problem. I like people to support boxing. I know Scotland will support Ricky because he is their boy but some of them will start supporting me, I will impress them.” Promoter Frank Warren, though, insists the capacity crowd will help Burns. He said: “If you are losing a fight, if you feel that it is slipping away from you, the fans can lift you. You have to respect what this guy has done, he has gone to Japan and won in the past. So I don’t think he’ll be fazed by the crowd but I think it will lift Ricky.”

Burns said: “My weight was perfect so now it’s roll on tomorrow. I can’t wait for it. It’s going to be an amazing atmosphere in the Braehead Arena with every seat sold for my homecoming. I’ve got to do the business in the ring now with all these fans coming to see me in action.

“Moses is a tough, tough fighter and I’ve not underestimated him and the fans are in for a really good fight.”

Meanwhile. Carl Froch’s Nottingham homecoming could be moved to an outdoor venue after promoter Eddie Hearn revealed there has been “relentless” interest from fans.

The two-time WBC super-middleweight champion will fight in Britain for the first time since 2009 when he returns to the ring following December’s defeat by Andre Ward in the Super Six tournament final. Froch gets the chance to immediately regain his world champion status when he meets unbeaten IBF holder Lucian Bute on 26 May. The fight had been set for the Nottingham Arena – which can hold approximately 9,000 people – but promoters Matchroom are now looking at larger, outdoor venues in various cities.

Nottingham Forest fan Froch’s hometown remains the preferred option, however, and it is understood Meadow Lane – the home of Forest’s rivals Notts County – is currently the likeliest option. “Since announcing the fight, the phones, emails and tweets have been relentless,” said Hearn. “Fight fans and sports fans all want to see these two world beaters clash, and I want to make sure as many people as possible get the chance.”