Ricky Burns Vs Jose Ocampo

Ricky Burns will defend his WBO lightweight title against Jose Ocampo on 15 December after Liam Walsh pulled out following a road accident.

Scotland's Burns was originally due to face Walsh before he suffered muscle injuries in the accident at Marsham, Norfolk and had to be cut out of a car.

Filipino Ocampo is stepping up from super featherweight to fight Burns and is rated 14 in the world by the WBA.

Burns, 29, said: "I'd say this is going to be the hardest fight of my career."

Ocampo, 23, has suffered five defeats, but most of them came in his teenage years, and 12 of his 17 victories have come inside the distance.

The fight will take place at London's ExCeL and Burns's manager Alex Morrison believes Ocampo could provide a stern test for his fighter.

"Ocampo will be a tricky test for Ricky," he said. "He holds a belt in the Philippines so he has to have something about him, but I expect Ricky to show the world again the true champion that he is."

Burns swept aside Kevin Mitchell in four rounds in September.

And should he overcome Ocampo, Burns has been lined up for a unification fight with unbeaten American Adrien Broner, 28, who added to his growing reputation by securing the WBC lightweight title this month.

But while he is confident of progressing, Burns is not looking beyond the fight with Ocampo.

"Filipino fighters are as tough as they come, just look at (Manny) Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire, like the Mexicans and Africans they come to have a fight and Ocampo will do just that," he added.

"If he fights like those two, as people say he does, then I'll be in for a tough night.

"It's unfortunate that Walsh had an accident and had to pull out of our fight, but I'm a world champion and I have to deal with these changes and I'm confident I'll deal with Ocampo."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/boxing/20541530

BURNS V WALSH IS OFF?!?!?!?!

Lets face it - is was a joke of a match up. Hope Liam is ok though.

liam dodged a bullet, he is way too green, this next opponent is a step in the wrong direction for burns, he was gathering some steam with consecutive wins over katdsis, moses and mitchell. ocampo's record is awful, and he has fought nobody.

Burns said this is his toughest fight yet. Erm I disagree. He needs a new promoter big time!

"If he fights like those two, as people say he does, then I'll be in for a tough fight"

Is he comparing Ocampo to Donaire and pacquiao?

This guy is a nobody and already has 5 losses in only 23 fights, how is that world title worthy. The only name of note on his record is Haya who took salido to 8 rounds knocking him down earlier before getting worn down

Walsh pulled out in the middle of November giving them a month to get an opponent so there is no excuse for making this fight

Rees is in shape having been preparing for Murray and he must be worthier for a shot and will be willing to fight burns on short notice

I truly believe Burns will fight anyone - even Broner but he is being protected by his team.

agree 100%, but the level in opposition was looking promising until this fight. thats whats gutting about this fight, at least with cleverly you don't expect any better. im sure most fighters out there would jump on a shot on burns title, even with relative short notice

How did they even find this Ocampo guy?! Surely there are 10 people more worthy than him for a world title shot!!

im sure warren knows where all the worst fighters hang out. he never ceases to amazing me in the opposition he manages to convince the board are "world level"

I know Ricky is a nice bloke an all but he needs to tell Warren to get him a proper fight.

I'm struggling to see how this can be a world title fight. It's a complete joke, definitely one of the worst match-ups we've seen.

Warren is getting worse and worse. Both Clev and Burns need to leave and go to Matchroom.