Ricky Burns to defend WBO lightweight title against unbeaten Liam Walsh

Ricky Burns faces another world title challenge from an Englishman after the European lightweight champion Liam Walsh was named as his next opponent – with a unification fight against Adrien Broner on offer for the winner.

Scotland’s WBO lightweight champion, who was on top form as he stopped Kevin Mitchell in four rounds last month, will face the unbeaten Walsh at London’s ExCeL on 15 December.

The promoter Frank Warren has lined up a glamour contest against the unbeaten American WBC champion Broner for whoever comes out on top.

Walsh stepped up to lightweight in July when he stopped Domenico Urbano in the eighth round at Upton Park to claim the European belt. The 26-year-old Walsh has stopped his opponent in 10 of 13 professional fights, including his memorable Commonwealth super-featherweight title win over the Scot Paul Appleby, who was pulled out ahead of the 10th round.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/oct/23/ricky-burns-liam-walsh

WBO Stated:

The winner of the above mentioned bout between Burns and Walsh must face the Mandatory Challenger designated by the WBO Championship Committee.