Ricky Burns
Published by: Justin Landis | Follow us on Facebook & on Twitter
Fighter Profile, Record and Bio for Boxer Ricky Burns
Ricky Burns (30-2, 7 KO’s) is not only the WBO Super Featherweight Champion of the World, he is also only the 13th Scottish boxer to ever hold a world championship belt. For Burns, it has been a hard fought journey to the top of the sport. He started as a local fighter, earned his shot at the British title, realized he wasn’t yet ready, made a big career decision, and since then has gradually ascended to the top of the Super Featherweight division.
Early Career
Burns is a classic example of a fighter who started small, but through big victories, gradually earned his shot at the big time. He started as a young, local fighter in Scotland and after beating some of the top prospects in Scotland, he earned his chance to travel to England to face British lightweight champion Graham Earl. Burns earned the upset victory by an 8th round decision.
Early title fights
At the young age of 22, Burns was just a novice in the ring, yet was earning quality victories over highly touted English and Scottish fighters, which earned him a shot at the big time. In 2006, he took on European, British and Commonwealth Champion Alex Arthur. Burns lost the fight to the more experienced Arthur, but his aggressive style earned Burns a great deal of respect. He made Arthur work hard to beat him and was definitely in the fight. In his next shot at the British title, Burns lost to Carl Johanneson. These two key losses made Burns realize that he needed a change, and a new direction in his career.
Changing Direction
In a very difficult decision, Burns decided to leave his trainer of over 14 years in favor of someone who could offer him something fresh and new. It was tough for him to make this career decision, but he switched to a different gym in Glasgow. This gutsy career move paid off, as Burns went on a quick tear, winning 8 fights in a row.
Earning the Commonwealth Belt
In 2008, Burns won the Commonwealth Belt, defeating Osumana Akaba of Ghana by 12th round decision. After earning this belt, he went on to defend his title against Yakubu Amidu, Michael Gomez, and perhaps his toughest defense yet; a tough, 12 round victory of Kevin O’Hara of Ireland.
Journey to the top of the division
As the number one WBO Super Featherweight in the world, Burns was ready to take on the best in the division, however, the negotiations fell through. He wanted to take on Roman Martinez or Gary Sykes. Neither of those fights materialized. However, after a year of negotiating and finally locking it down, Burns had his fight against Martinez, scheduled for September of 2010. This was the biggest fight of Burns’ career and he knew that he was ready. Despite being knocked down early, Burns earned the decision victory over Martinez and has since defended his title successfully.
What’s Next?
After a tough title defense over the Norwegian/Colombian fighter Andreas Evensen, Burns will defend his title against Joseph Laryea of Ghana before looking to set up another major bout.
