Ricky Burns looks ahead to Paulus Moses fight

by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

RICKY BURNS says preparations for his fight with Namibia’s Paulus ‘The Hitman’ Moses will be stepped up this week.

The WBO interim lightweight champion is back in action at the Braehead Arena on Saturday, March 10.

Moses arrives on these shores having lost just once in 10 years as a professional boxer.

And Burns admits the Namibian’s near perfect record will ensure he doesn’t cut corners in the gym.

“We’re in the middle of full training so that means sessions two or three times a day just now,” he told AdvertiserSport.

“I’m really looking forward to it and going by Paulus’ record, it is going to be a very tough fight.

“It’s great to know I’ll be fighting again in Scotland. My first two defences of my super-featherweight title were at Braehead so I’m glad this is going to be here as well.”

Former Barn Boxing Club ace Burns could be set for a summer showdown with ‘The Dagenham Destroyer’ Kevin Mitchell if he sees off Moses.

“I can’t look past Paulus but I know there are bigger fights down the line for me,” he warned.

“But the prospect of taking part in these fights inspires me and gives me that little bit of extra motivation.”

The Coatbridge puncher has won 33 of his 35 bouts as a pro and not lost since falling to Carl Johanneson in February 2007.

“I take it a fight at a time,” said Burns when asked about his five-year unbeaten record. I don’t think about it too much.

“I know that if I go out there and don’t produce the goods then the big fights we’re talking about won’t happen.

“This is a dangerous fight for me – but these are the contests which bring out the best in me.

“When I know I am up against it and in a 50-50 fight, I know I am going to produce.”

Burns is currently interim championship holder with Juan Manuel Marquez still holding the belt overall.

However, the legendary Mexican is eyeing another crack at Manny Pacquaio in the welterweight division although Burns would love to challenge him in the ring.

“I’ve always said I would fight the best,” he said. “I would never duck anybody.

“If Marquez decided to move back down a weight he would have to fight me.

“But we’ll just need to wait and see. I think he’ll be looking for bigger than myself.”

Source:  www.acadvertiser.co.uk/coatbridge-airdrie-sport/lanarkshire-boxing/2012/01/25/ricky-burns-looks-ahead-to-paulus-moses-fight-65864-30190851/