Ricky Burns to face Michele Di Rocco for super-lightweight world title
Tuesday 15 March 2016 11:13, UK
Ricky Burns can become a three-weight world champion when he takes on Michele Di Rocco for the vacant WBA super-lightweight title in Glasgow on May 28.
The former super-featherweight and lightweight world champion's big chance, live on Sky Sports, will see him fight on Scottish soil for the first time in almost two years.
Burns (39-5-1-KO13) knows he can make history and join the likes of British legend Duke McKenzie by winning a world title at three different weights if he beats former European champion Di Rocco (40-1-1-KO18).
"This is a huge fight and a massive opportunity for me to make history," said Burns.
"It feels like a long time coming returning to Glasgow and I feel this is the perfect opportunity for me to grab another world title in front of my loyal supporters.
"Di Rocco is a tough guy and he will bring the best out of me - but it's a fight I'm so confident I will win and give my fans a great show."
This is a huge fight and a massive opportunity for me to make history
He added: "There are massive fights for me at lightweight and super-lightweight - I've spoken to my trainer Tony Sims and we feel I can compete competitively at either weight class and this fight will lead on to great things for me."
Burns held the WBO super-featherweight world title between 2010 and 2011, before moving up a weight and owning the WBO lightweight belt until losing to American Terence Crawford in March 2014.
The 32-year-old has since alternated between lightweight and super-lightweight and has earned the world title shot following an impressive scrap with Omar Figueroa Jr at the bigger weight in Texas last year.
Burns' manager Alex Morrison revealed the fight two weeks ago and promoter Eddie Hearn has now confirmed that big-time boxing is back in Scotland.
"I am delighted to deliver this opportunity for Ricky to make history and become a three-weight world champion," said promoter Eddie Hearn.
"It will be the first night of boxing ever at the magnificent SSE Hydro and I know the fans will raise the roof. Di Rocco is unbeaten in nearly nine years but I truly believe Ricky will make history on May 28."
The Matchroom card will also see Tyrone Nurse defend his British super-lightweight crown against Glasgow's Willie Limond, with Belfast bantamweight star Ryan Burnett, Commonwealth games hero Charlie Flynn and undefeated prospects Joe Ham and Lewis Paulin also in action.
