Ricky Burns became Scotland’s first three-division world champion with a unanimous-decision victory over Michele Di Rocco on Saturday. He is now the WBA World light welterweight champion, but he’s hungry for more.
The 33-year-old called out two big names after his latest triumph. He’d like to avenge a 2014 loss to current WBO 140-pound champion Terence Crawford, and he has also targeted former WBA champ Adrien Broner.
Per Chris McKenna of Express, Burns said: “Broner was the super champion, I fought for this belt because he didn’t make the weight for his last fight. If he gets his finger out then that fight is an option. (WBO champion) Crawford is fighting (WBC champion Viktor) Postol in a unification and if he wins, why not? I would fight him again.”
Crawford dominated Burns with his length, quickness and boxing acumen. Burns would probably be a heavy underdog in a rematch. Crawford is scheduled to face WBC champion Viktor Postol in a unification bout on July 23.
The 28-year-old from Nebraska is one of the sport’s rising stars. It doesn’t seem likely he’d take a fight against a guy he’s already beaten handily, but anything is possible.
Broner might be a more viable option. Considering Burns has a solid following, Broner and his advisor Al Haymon might be willing to negotiate a bout that allows the 26-year-old from Cincinnati to regain the title he lost on the scales.
Burns would probably be an underdog in that fight as well, though not to the extent that he would be against Crawford.
Burns’ relentless style and toughness could have some success against Broner, though the latter would have the clear advantage in speed and punching power.
It’s an interesting dynamic, but a much better predicament than the one Burns found himself in the summer of 2015 when he had lost three of his last four bouts.
He’s now won three straight and is again a world champion. Winning creates opportunity.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
