Frank Warren: Ricky Burns Deserves More Recognition

Promoter Frank Warren believes "nice guy" Ricky Burns should already have hero status throughout the United Kingdom.

And he claims the Scot will make another step towards that with victory in the first defence of his WBO lightweight title against Paulus Moses on Saturday night.

Speaking at the Braehead Arena on the outskirts of Glasgow yesterday, Warren said: "Ricky should be a British sporting hero. He might not have had the recognition he should have got.

"I was really disappointed with the feedback in the rest of the UK after he beat Roman Martinez, I thought it was a fabulous performance.

"He did have a great fight with Michael Katsidis which went down really well down south.

"But I think this fight does (take him onto the next level) and he deserves it.

"A few more good performances and he will be up there with famous Scottish boxers like Ken Buchanan.

"The venue is sold out. You can't do better than that and Ricky deserves that public support - it is appreciated by the fans who recognise this is a good fight.

"Ricky is a double world champion. He has worked hard at it and is going from strength to strength.

"But Paulus is not here to make up the numbers, Ricky will have to be at his best. He is against a guy with a formidable record and who is well respected.

"Having said that, you have got to make Ricky favourite."

The 33-year-old Namibian has an impressive record of 28 wins from 29 fights, 19 of them by knockout.

Meanwhile, Warren believes only an open-air venue in Scotland could stage a classic all-British showdown in the summer between Burns and Kevin Mitchell.

The 6,000-capacity Braehead Arena venue is sold out this weekend to see the 28-year-old fighter from Coatbridge, who - if he comes through unscathed - has Londoner Mitchell in his sights.

Warren reckons matching up two of his top fighters is "a no-brainer" but would look to take the clash outdoors.

"That's what everybody would like to see," he said. "It is a great fight.

"If Ricky comes through this fight he is certainly going to be in the top two or three in the world without doubt and Kevin Mitchell is a world-rated fighter.

"If we can get the right deal then we will do it.

"Obviously Ricky has to win first and we have to make sure we can get the stadium because it wouldn't be a Braehead fight - that is an outdoor fight."