Ricky Burns v Andreas Evensen: Norwegian challenger Evensen claims early advantage as champion struggles to make weight

ANDREAS Evensen last night claimed to have landed a crucial psychological blow in his bid to prise the WBO super-featherweight championship away from Ricky Burns.

At the weigh-in for Burns' first defence of the title at the Braehead Arena tonight, Norwegian challenger Evensen tipped the scales at 9st 3lbs 4oz, comfortably inside the 9st 4lbs maximum.

Burns, however, had to strip naked to weigh right on the limit. While the naturally bigger Scot and his camp dismissed any suggestion of a problem, insisting instead that it proved his weight-making preparations had been perfect, Evensen was visibly encouraged.

"As far as I'm concerned, it shows that Ricky is struggling to make super-featherweight," said the 24-year-old. "Okay, he has more than 24 hours to recover before we step inside the ring, but things like dehydration are an issue when you have to make the weight that way. I believe it could be an advantage for me. I've had no problem making the weight at all. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner today before the weigh-in and still had plenty to spare. I'm stepping up from featherweight, where I struggled a bit to make the weight, but this is perfect for me.

"I'm feeling great and I'm very excited about the possibilities for me to become the new world champion. I have the chance to show Scotland, Norway and the rest of the world that I'm a world class boxer.

"I don't know if Ricky and his people have underestimated me but if I was in his shoes, I would be feeling the pressure right now. He is at home, he is the champion and all of the expectation is upon him."

Burns, who won the title with a stellar performance against Roman Martinez in September, was unfazed by the hubbub at the 5pm weigh-in at Glasgow's Hilton Hotel where Evensen was cheered by a noisy group of Norwegian supporters.

The 27-year-old from Coatbridge appeared in relaxed mood, albeit displaying a mild hint of embarrassment at having to cover his modesty with his hands when he stepped on to the scales.

"The preparation for this fight has been perfect," said Burns. "I'm just at the stage now where I want the waiting to be over and to get in the ring. I worked long and hard to become world champion and I know I have to keep working hard to hold on to the title. As long as I do what I do best on Saturday night, there is no way I'm letting it go."

The stakes are high for both Burns and the chief supporting act on tonight's bill. Paul Appleby, the former British featherweight champion, will precede Burns into the ring when he takes on Joseph Laryea of Ghana for the WBO Intercontinental super-featherweight belt.

Looking for a third straight victory since moving up to the super-feather division this year, 23-year-old Appleby has already been lined up as the next challenger for Burns' world title if both men win their contests tonight.

It would be the first world championship contest between two Scottish boxers and Appleby is in no mood to let such a prize slip from his grasp.

"I have been told I'll get the next shot at Ricky," said the South Queensferry man. "It would make history and be one of the biggest fights ever in Scotland. So I need to win on Saturday night and I also need to look good doing it, so that everyone can see I'm good enough to fight Ricky.

"I've got no worries that the fight will happen. I know I'll beat Laryea and I'm equally sure Ricky will hold on to his title. He is a brilliant guy and no-one deserves to be a world champion more than he does.

"But I wouldn't take on the challenge of fighting him next if I didn't believe I could beat him. I sparred with Ricky before he fought Martinez to win the title and I feel I've got the style to beat him.

"He will feel the same way about me and that's what will make it a brilliant fight."

Appleby must deal with Laryea, the 25-year-old Ghanaian super-featherweight champion, first of all. The African, taller than Appleby, has won 13 of his 17 fights, 11 of them inside the distance.

"He's the tallest guy I've fought as a professional," said Appleby after weighing in at 9st 3lbs 8oz. "I haven't seen any of his fights, but I think he is made for me and that I will stop him with body shots."