Scotland's WBO super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns may be about to relinquish his title.
The 28-year-old is in discussions about moving up to lightweight and fighting for a second world crown.
It had been reported that Burns was to make his fourth title defence in the United States against mandatory challenger Adrien Broner in November.
But Burns' manager Alex Morrison says nothing has been signed and that his fighter may instead give up the belt.
"My worry is Ricky making the weight," explained Morrison.
"It gets more difficult for fighters to keep making the 9st, 4lbs mark as they get older. Ricky is now 28 and it was always the plan for him to move up to lightweight."
Fighting at lightweight would see Burns, from Coatbridge, enter the ring five pounds heavier.
And Morrison believes his fighter wants to avoid the problems that other Scottish world champions have had with weight.
"Look at Alex Arthur and the problems he had with making his mark," he added.
"It was a big factor in Scott Harrison's downfall too. I've spoken to [promoter Frank] Warren about my concerns and he agrees with me. Money isn't everything"
On the subject of a proposed defence of Burns' WBO belt in Cincinnati at the end of November, Morrison said: "Nothing is signed or sealed but I am advising him against the fight.
"Ricky is on the verge of taking my advice and saying no. I would like him to relinquish the (super-featherweight) belt and move up to win a second world title."
Morrison insisted that Burns would fight again this year regardless of whether or not he moved up a division.
Obviously it would be disappointing if the Broner fight doesn't come off but it won't be a Frankie Gavin case of not making weight. If Ricky can't make weight then it will be because he can't do so safely and then I would 100% agree with his decision to vacate and move up.
Could we see Burns v Mitchell at Lightweight in some form of world title eliminator?
Burns should stay in the division and continue defending his title. There are still good fights out there for him at Super Featherweight.
If he beats Broner (be a hard fight, but I think he can do it)... There's still the 2 Japanese guys and Jorge Solis and Luis Cruz.
Its been hard for Ricky for a while now if rumours are to be believed, Whilst the money would have been great he should get an instant ranking with the WBO for moving up as an
undefeated champion, couple of half decent warm ups, should see him in another title shot by this time next year with a bit of luck.
No suggestion of weight making problems before this fight. Yes, Ricky looks massive for the weight but there has never been any public rumours of problems. I remember Alex Arthur for years having to deny weight making problems.
If Ricky can make the weight confortably enough fighting the Swed and the Kenyan, then surely he will make it comfortably when he has a major challenge.
dewipowell wrote:I saw Ricky 2 days ago and he talked about the Broner fight, that he can't wait for it ect. So I'd be very surprised if he did vacate.
So would I, Ricky was delighted when he became World Champion and he talked of his "dream coming ture". I can't see him just relinquishing the belt.
Well, if the Broner fight isn't happening anyway, there is plenty of good UK competition for Burns at 135 lbs.
It is the most excting division in British boxing at the moment - adding Burns to the mix would great imo.
Yes, please!
-KOKid- wrote:Well, if the Broner fight isn't happening anyway, there is plenty of good UK competition for Burns at 135 lbs.
It is the most excting division in British boxing at the moment - adding Burns to the mix would great imo.
Yes, please!
Kevin Mitchell&John Murray would both beat Burns easilly....Hes done well to hold the belt&deserves credit for beating Martinez,but that result flatters him....
Gazmac81 wrote:i was under the impression he makes the weight easy ,although this would always be said
if hes getting a great pay day he should fight Broner and then move up
who would he fight at lightweight for the title? Rios ?
If memory serves and Rios has the WBA so no go there and nor would he want to but the WBO is interesting because he would get a decent ranking and I think Guerrero holds the interim belt and Marquez is the super holder type bollocks so I am not sure but with Guerrero being out for about 6 months that Frankie may be able to get Ricky a shot at the lightweight belt fairly quickly and even make it an in house fight against the likes of Mitchell or Murray
-KOKid- wrote:Well, if the Broner fight isn't happening anyway, there is plenty of good UK competition for Burns at 135 lbs.
It is the most excting division in British boxing at the moment - adding Burns to the mix would great imo.
Yes, please!
Kevin Mitchell&John Murray would both beat Burns easilly....Hes done well to hold the belt&deserves credit for beating Martinez,but that result flatters him....
I don't think they would. OK, Roman Martinez aside, Burns hasn't fought the best opposition, but he's no slouch. I'm not saying he'd beat either of them, but they wouldn't have an easy time with him.
As a massive fan of Ricky i am a little gutted if this is the case,
However as a couple of people have said, it may be a case that Broner is too dangerous He would need a martinez x100 peformance to beat him as much as i love the guy.
Hope it still comes off, still seemed up for it last week,
He would need a martinez x100 peformance to beat him as much as i love the guy.