Preview: Ricky Burns takes on Michele Di Rocco for world title
Saturday 28 May 2016 23:13, UK
Your one-stop preview of Ricky Burns' bid to make history by beating Michele Di Rocco to the vacant WBA world super-lightweight title.
Live Fight Night
Background
Burns is bidding to become the first Scot to hold world titles in three different weight categories having won the WBO super-featherweight and lightweight crowns earlier in his career.
Opinions vary as to what 'Rickster' has left in his locker but he's certain to pull it all in front of his fans in Glasgow, where he takes on 'The King' Di Rocco.
The bookmakers make Burns a comfortable favourite to join the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya in starting at super-featherweight and clinching top prizes up to super-lightweight. An Italian is here to try and spoil the dream.
What the fighters say
What the trainer says
What the experts say
We'll see Burns do what he does best and that's work at a crazy pace. I think Di Rocco will be game and will force his way into the later rounds but if Burns doesn't get a late stoppage win then I think he'll win on points.
It depends what Burns has left but if you can't get motivated to go out there and become a three-time world champion, there's something wrong. I think he'll have that mentality and I think Burns' hand will be raised with a points victory.
He's shown plenty of fire in the gym and in recent fights. It's just a big step. What a credit he has been and I hope he can do it. I don't see him getting beaten up and I see Burns pushing hard until the bell and nicking a decision.
Burns has a nice height advantage. He's comfortable defending on the ropes sometimes but I think he should establish the jab. I think Burns by unanimous decision but I think there'll be some difficult times for him in the fight.
The weigh-in
Burns: 9st 13lbs 2oz
Di Rocco: 9st 13lbs 4oz
The time draws near
Watch Burns v Di Rocco from 8pm on Saturday and Tony Bellew take on Ilunga Makabu on Sunday from 6.30pm - both live on Sky Sports 1.
