Ricky Burns has put a local spat behind him to call for national support ahead of his interim WBO lightweight title against Paulus Moses at the Braehead Arena on March 10.

Burns, 28, wrote on Facebook that he was chased by a gang of youths who threw missiles at him during a training run in his hometown of Coatbridge on January 2 after which he complained to the police.

Yesterday, after confirming that he will fight 33-year-old Namibian Moses, who has lost once in 29 fights, Burns shrugged off the incident to rally Scottish boxing fans.

"It was something that happened," he said.

"I was angered at the time but the police have sorted it.

"I have not changed anything.

"I am running round Coatbridge the same route as normal so I will put it down to a one-off.

"I'm sure it will be a cracking fight and I am glad it is at the Braehead Arena.

"I hope for a sell-out crowd and the public are in for a great night."

Burns admits he knows little about his opponent but will give every respect to 'The Hitman' who has won 19 bouts by knockout. He said: "It is a risky fight, you only have to look at his record.

"I can't afford to take the fight lightly.

"I have not seen much footage of him but I will have a look at some DVDs and, as ever, I will be training for a hard fight.

"It is time to go to work."

Former WBA lightweight champion Moses is coming to Scotland looking for his second world title.

"I am thankful for the opportunity," he said.

"I have lost one title and I want to win this one.

"I am coming to win the fight and be world champion again and I will make sure I put everything in to it.

"I am not going to disappoint people."