Ricky Burns is Ready For All Comers at 135-Pounds

Ricky Burns has vowed to take on all comers as he bids to move up through the divisions and rack up 100 fights before eventually retiring.

The Scot's 35th bout was undoubtedly his best as he made a step up in both weight and class in London last night to defeat Michael Katsidis and add the interim WBO lightweight belt to the super-featherweight title he recently relinquished.

The 28-year-old from Coatbridge now finds himself one step away from being a recognised two-weight world champion. To be upgraded to full champion status he must either defeat veteran Juan Manuel Marquez - who fights Manny Pacquiao at welterweight next week - or hope the revered Mexican gives up the WBO crown.

For the time being Burns is just happy to contemplate a short break and enjoy the new lease of life he has afforded himself by moving up from 130-pounds..

"This fight was so much more comfortable for me, moving up," Burns said after his unanimous decision win over Australian brawler Katsidis at Wembley Arena.

"It means no more boiling down to make the weight because for my last couple of defences of the WBO super-featherweight belt I was really, really struggling.

"I'll have a wee break and whoever I fight next, so be it.

"I want to have a hundred fights. That's how much I love boxing. I've always said I'll never, ever leave it and as long as I'm not getting hurt then I'll keep fighting into my late 30s, definitely."

As Burns' stock continues to rise and he operates at an elite level he is unlikely to enjoy enough regular action to reach such a milestone.

But esteemed trainer Billy Nelson believes his charge has both the talent and the physique to eventually go on to even bigger and better things.

"I know it's premature but I do believe he can move up again and win a world title at light-welterweight," said Nelson.

"He looked massive in that ring. In maybe 18 months or two years he could go up again."

Burns has not looked back since upsetting Roman Martinez to claim the WBO super-featherweight crown last year. That victory over the Puerto Rican banger was a career-best performance at the time but Burns surpassed that this weekend, showing maturity, skill and heart to comprehensively out-box world-class operator Katsidis and win with scores of 117-112 and 117-111 twice.