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."
