Joshua vs Breazeale: Ricky Burns recalls his first world title defence
Wednesday 22 June 2016 16:20, UK
Anthony Joshua makes the first defence of his world title on Saturday against Dominic Breazeale, live on Sky Sports Box Office
The IBF world heavyweight champion is the strong favourite to prevail, but putting your new prize on the line often brings more into the ring than just the quality of the challenger.
So with British boxing bubbling and awash with world titles, we've asked some of our current world champions what their first title defence was like.
Here it's Scotland's only three-weight world champion Ricky Burns...
Story of the fight: Burns had won the WBO super-featherweight crown by defeating Puerto Rico's Roman Martinez on points on a momentous night at the Kelvin Hall. For his first defence, he welcomed Colombia-born Andreas Evensen to the Braehead Arena.
It initially looked like being an early night for 'Rickster' as Evensen was sent tumbling to the canvas in the very first round but the challenger dug in to take the fight the distance. Burns emerged a comfortable points victor and would go on to make two further defences before stepping up to lightweight.
Burns says: I'd won the title from Martinez and what a night that was in Glasgow. For the first defence, I just wanted to go out and grind out the same performance.
I ended up putting him down in the first round but he got back up and I ended up winning on points. I can remember it well. It was good to go out and get the first one over with.
I treat every fight the same. I've said throughout my career - whether it's for a world title or a four- or six-rounder. I train the same for every fight and never cut any corners.
After fights, I'm one for keeping a low profile. I hate people making a fuss. When you become champion, everybody starts calling you out and Anthony has had that since he won the title. Everyone seems to want to fight him now.
Anthony is a great big guy and you couldn't meet anyone nicer. He trains hard and knows he's going out there to do a job.
Watch Anthony Joshua vs Dominic Breazeale live on Sky Sports Box Office from The O2 on June 25. Book the event online here or via your Sky remote.
