Ricky Burns Expecting a “Cracking Fight” With Moses
Ricky Burns aims to repay the fans who will pack out the Braehead Arena on Saturday night with victory when he defends his WBO lightweight title against Paulus Moses.
Despite stringent financial times, and the fight showing live on television, the 6,000-capacity arena on the outskirts of Glasgow is set for a sell-out.
Burns, 28, is grateful for the home support as he prepares to take on the Namibian challenger
“I would like to say a big thanks to everyone who is going,” he said, before a media workout at trainer Billy Nelson’s Fighting Scots gym in Mossend, Lanarkshire.
“My phone has been going constantly with people asking for tickets.
“I was on the phone this morning to see if I could get any more, the demand has been unbelievable.
“My last couple of fights have been away from home and I think because a lot of people missed out and because it is in Glasgow, the response has been great.
“There was only a couple of hundred tickets left the other day so it will definitely be a sell-out.
“The way things are going for this fight – as long as I win – the next one is going to have to be at a bigger venue up here.
“The people who can’t get to see it or have missed out, or left it too late to get their tickets, will be able to watch it live on BoxNation, so that’s a bonus.
“But I am just looking forward to getting on with it now.
“Once I step in that ring, I will need to try block the crowd out and get on with the job.”
Perhaps surprisingly, Burns has not watched the 33-year-old challenger – who has lost only once in 28 fights with only one defeat – either live or on television.
However, the Coatbridge fighter is supremely confident of getting the win which will leave him free for a showdown with Londoner Kevin Mitchell in the summer.
“I haven’t watched him at all,” said Burns.
“We know he is a good boxer and has a big right hand, obviously, with 19 knockouts from 28 fights.
“He is also a former world champion who is not afraid to travel, he has fought in Japan and other places.
“So it is going to be a cracking fight but we are prepared for whatever he brings.
“Now it is about playing the waiting game. Once Friday (weigh-in) is over I can get on with it.
“I have always said the better the guy in front of me, the better I will perform, so it is just down to me now to produce the goods again.”