Just hours after being cursed by a witch doctor, Ricky Burns received a boost after the UK's leading black magic expert returned the voodoo threat with interest.

Ahead of Burns' WBO super-featherweight title defence against Joseph Laryea on March 12 at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow, African witch doctor Okomfo Benin Gambaga sent a cursed pigeon to sit on the roof of the Scotsman's gym.

But Britain-based Doktor Snake insists that he has cast a spell that will render the pigeon useless.

 "I wouldn't want to be that shaman from Ghana, not with what I laid on him," he told The Sun.

"I've completely removed the curse and sent it back to Ghana ten-fold.

"I've summoned up our own spirits to fight back - Ricky will float like a butterfly and sting like a bee."

Promoter Frank Warren added: "I have seen a lot in my 30 years in boxing, but this is a first.

"The witch doctor caused quite a stir by reportedly sending a cursed pigeon, but I knew Ricky wouldn't get in a flap over it."

Tags: Ricky Burns , Joseph Laryea , Burns-Laryea , Burns vs Laryea