Ricky Burns believes Glasgow support will help him past Kiryl Relikh
Monday 19 September 2016 12:19, UK
WBA world super-lightweight champion Ricky Burns is hopeful the atmosphere in Glasgow will "shock" challenger Kiryl Relikh.
The 33-year-old 'Rickster' (40-5-1-KO14) makes the maiden defence of his title on October 7 - live on Sky Sports - and is warning promising challenger Relikh (21-0-KO19) to expect a welcome like no other.
Burns, who is trained by Tony Sims, said: "The fans in Glasgow are just unbelievable. Kiryl is in for a shock on October 7. He's a big puncher but I don't mind taking a shot to win.
"I treat every fight the same. I put everything on the line in my camps to get the win and I've done that for 20 years now.
"Winning the title against Michele Di Rocco was incredible. I just wanted to get this new date so I could focus on defending the belt and moving to Tony's gym has really given me a boost - the boys in the gym keep me on my toes!
"Tony Sims is running the show for me, I don't watch my opponents, he'll come up with the game plan to win. Prediction? A Ricky Burns win and a great night for the brilliant fans up here."
Burns, who won the belt by stopping Michele di Rocco in the eighth round in May, is Scotland's first three-weight world champion having previously won world titles at super-featherweight and lightweight.
Watch Burns v Relikh live on Sky Sports on October 7
