Evensen is Eager To Emulate Ricky Burns in Glasgow
By Terence Dooley
Andreas Evensen believes that he can emulate Ricky Burns' title winning heroics when he faces the Scottish fighter for the WBO super-featherweight title at the Braehead Arena, Glasgow on Saturday. Evensen, 24, watched in wonderment as Burns ripped the belt from the heavily favoured Puerto Rican Roman Martinez in September; the Colombia-born, Norway-based challenger told the BBC that he has drawn inspiration from Ricky's win and will give him a taste of his own medicine come fight night.
“It was a big shock and a big upset in the boxing world because Ricky was a big underdog. I am hoping to provide another shock for the boxing world,” admitted Evensen, who feels that the two will be evenly matched on the night.
“I am always fighting boxers who are bigger so I am used to it. It is a step up in weight for me, from featherweight to super-featherweight but I don't see it as a problem. I have been training with welterweights in Norway so I am prepared to meet a stronger and heavier man. Ricky Burns belongs in lightweight so maybe he has a bit more problem making the weight than I do.”
Billy Nelson, Burns' trainer, confirmed that his man has retained his hunger and is confident that the 27-year-old will come through his maiden defence. “His preparation for this fight has gone really well, the same as for the Martinez fight,” revealed Nelson. “The one thing about Ricky Burns is that, unlike many other fighters, he is very level-headed and respectful.”
Burns, 29-2 (7), will be cheered on by a sizeable Scottish contingent; he hopes to fill the void left in the absence of Scott Harrison, a win over Evensen should set the stage for a grandstand 2011. Evensen, 13-1 (5), is up in class and up in weight, his last step up saw him go down on points to Benoit Gaudet back in 2007 – a comfortable stoppage win looks the most likely outcome for the defending champion.
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