Burns to top Liverpool bill

Source:Sky Sports.com

Ricky Burns will defend his WBO super-featherweight title at Liverpool's Echo Arena on July 16.

It will be the Scot's third defence of the belt he took off Rocky Martinez in September and the first outside his native country.

An opponent will be revealed next week and promoter Frank Warren is delighted to be able to name Burns on a domestic bill.

"Burns is one of only four world champions that Britain can boast of at the moment and the only one you can watch on these shores, and he is every bit as exciting as Haye, Froch and Khan, all who are having their next fights abroad," he said.

Burns will top a bill that also includes Commonwealth light-heavyweight champion Tony Bellew, aiming to add the vacant British title in a rematch with Derby's Ovill McKenzie.

"Bellew and McKenzie served up a drama-filled classic back in December with both men trading punches non-stop and both visiting the canvas before Bellew emerged the victor," Warren added.

"The fight could have gone either way, so a rematch with the British title at stake was a natural to bring back to the superb Echo Arena."

Also on the bill wil be Liverpudlian Derry Matthews making a defence of his British title and Prizefighter winner Rocky Fielding, while hot prospect Joe Selkirk will be keen to impress.

Personally as a Scot I'm a bit disappointed Burns won't be fighting in Glasgow but not suprised. Not enough people turn out to see him fight. Hoping it's a decent opponent he's had two easy defences a third would be a joke.

It is disappointing Kev but like you say no suprise. Looking forward to Bellew/McKenzie II. Should be a cracker.

Hope so Bellew is a mouthy git but his style lends itself to good to fights. I was hoping Frank would be brave and offer a fight to Adrian Broehner or even a Martinez rematch.

Yeah will be rooting for McKenzie myself.

Don't think McKenzie stands a chance. Think this one will end early this time. I know Bellew rubs fans up the wrong way but thats his persona, at least hes getting fans talking about his fights.

Would love to go to this one but me boy is due on the 16th

Congradulations Soldier.

I don't mind him being mouthy as long as he backs it up and he has done so far. Some just don't like that sort of thing.

Nice one Kev. Little bit gutted cos me cousin is boxing in the Echo for the first time.

I know. Feel that he needs to get back to basics a bit though, seems to put too much effort in trying to knock them out with every punch.

If McIntosh gets through his fight on Sat, its got to be McIntosh and Bellew next surely. That would be a barnstormer aswell.