Ricky Burns (c) vs. Kiryl Relikh - October 7th 2016

[Tarkus]

There really should be three options:

Burns by killing
Burns by maiming
Burns by turning up

Relikh is ranked at 230 in the weight on this site.

This makes Garcia v Salka look like a thriller.

[crusader]

But Relikh's got a real heavy-handed and solid look about him. We all know life in Eastern Europe invariably makes men as cold as ice and as hard as stone.

At least I imagine that's what we'll be hearing.

[Autobarn]

But Relikh's got a real heavy-handed and solid look about him. We all know life in Eastern Europe invariably makes men as cold as ice and as hard as stone.

At least I imagine that's what we'll be hearing.

And somewhat one paced

[handsofstone]

Its hard to say how good Relikh really is,his record might look good numbers wise but his opposition has been awful,christ knows how he became the WBA mandatory even in this day and age,ive seen him a couple of times propping up undercards on allegedly and although he got the KO's in they fights i wasnt bowled over

Even this version of Burns is a massive step up,Ricky's durable and although has been down a fair few times has never really looked like being stopped apart from when Johansson had him down with bodyshots about 9 years ago so if Relikh cant KO him,its a case of is Burns good enough these days to use his experience and outbox him? The Di Rocco fight ws the best i'd seen Burns since Mitchell and thats including the non title fights and Figueroa,Di Rocco was awful though and it was hard to believe he was a reigning European champ

So its really a case of did the Di Rocco win flatter Burns or has he raised him game now world titles are on the line and despite Relikh looking pretty crude,is he still too fresh and hungry for Burns?

Its a tough one and i hope im wrong but i have a feeling Relikh might be catching Burns at the right time,hope the crowd see Ricky through though and Relikh proves to be without ideas,especially in the 2nd half of the fight when Burns is still in there

[Stuffs]

Seen Relikh a few times in the flesh and on TV and he's not going to trouble Burns massively. He's fought some absolute dross to get his record where it is, and the record is more inflated than most.

Relikh's only chance is that he has a punchers chance. He does have quite heavy hands, but Burns has enough nous to have been hit by bigger and better people and carry on, where as Relikh is used to these -- not even journeymen, just nobodies -- being done with it at that point. Relikh needs a perfect punch to win.

Relikh will also need to seriously up his game in terms of cleverness. He doesn't move in a clever way, he doesn't feint, he doesn't use his head much. You can see some of his heavy hits coming a mile off and he's there for the taking.

The unknown is Relikh has hardly been hit such is the calibre of opponent. Can he take a hit? I've no idea.

If Burns is at his best, and not looking past this, there's no reason for it not to be over before the halfway point I think.

[wesshaw1985]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGAMoyMor9g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yXPNf6HkEI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TznhoByur-I

[lefty]

Seen Relikh a few times in the flesh and on TV and he's not going to trouble Burns massively. He's fought some absolute dross to get his record where it is, and the record is more inflated than most.

Relikh's only chance is that he has a punchers chance. He does have quite heavy hands, but Burns has enough nous to have been hit by bigger and better people and carry on, where as Relikh is used to these -- not even journeymen, just nobodies -- being done with it at that point. Relikh needs a perfect punch to win.

Relikh will also need to seriously up his game in terms of cleverness. He doesn't move in a clever way, he doesn't feint, he doesn't use his head much. You can see some of his heavy hits coming a mile off and he's there for the taking.

The unknown is Relikh has hardly been hit such is the calibre of opponent. Can he take a hit? I've no idea.

If Burns is at his best, and not looking past this, there's no reason for it not to be over before the halfway point I think.

He doesn't look worse than Di Rocco to me and he lasted 8.

[PredatorHayds]

Can't see Burns losing this.

Hope Broner makes it ringside (will he be allowed in the UK).

I have no idea how the Belarusian has got a world title shot.

[Stuffs]

Seen Relikh a few times in the flesh and on TV and he's not going to trouble Burns massively. He's fought some absolute dross to get his record where it is, and the record is more inflated than most.

Relikh's only chance is that he has a punchers chance. He does have quite heavy hands, but Burns has enough nous to have been hit by bigger and better people and carry on, where as Relikh is used to these -- not even journeymen, just nobodies -- being done with it at that point. Relikh needs a perfect punch to win.

Relikh will also need to seriously up his game in terms of cleverness. He doesn't move in a clever way, he doesn't feint, he doesn't use his head much. You can see some of his heavy hits coming a mile off and he's there for the taking.

The unknown is Relikh has hardly been hit such is the calibre of opponent. Can he take a hit? I've no idea.

If Burns is at his best, and not looking past this, there's no reason for it not to be over before the halfway point I think.

He doesn't look worse than Di Rocco to me and he lasted 8.

I think this a massive, massive step up for Relikh. A step too far. Di Rocco would beat Relikh I think.

Though that all said, perhaps I'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.

[Give up]

Ricky Burns Stoppage

[maverick23]

It seems that Eddie is donating the next 24hours of ticket proceeds to the family of Mike Towell.

Ricky Hatton also deserves big credit re: the just giving he set up. It's raised £41k so far.

[wesshaw1985]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtu97Ku3z30

[lefty]

Burns has always been pretty big/tall for the lower weight classes. Relikh looks massive. Tall and also pretty big framed for the weight class they're fighting at.

[wesshaw1985]

looks like a trip to Vegas for the Scottish fans is in the offing...

[wesshaw1985]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfIkOYjgvX8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcWkQpVmF7o