Ricky Burns will block out thoughts of future glory to focus all his energy on defending his WBO super-featherweight title against Joseph Laryea at the Braehead Arena on Saturday night.

If the champion takes care of the Ghanaian he is set to be rewarded with a unification fight against South Africa's IBF belt holder Mzonke Fana some time in the summer.

Burns, who tipped the scales at nine stone three-and-a-half pounds at the weigh-in on Friday afternoon, with Laryea coming in at 9st 2.5lbs, is odds-on favourite to make a second defence of his title.

However, the Coatbridge fighter will give the rangy African every respect.

"Joseph Laryea is not to be underestimated," Burns said.

"There is talk of unification fights for me but that is all in the future and I have to put that to the back of my mind.

"I can't afford to have any slip ups in this fight."