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Ricky Burns was two hours from being stripped of his WBO lightweight title before finalising a bout with mandatory challenger Jose 'Chelo' Gonzalez, his promoter Eddie Hearn revealed.
The Scot, who has not fought since beating Kevin Mitchell in September last year, was told he must take on the undefeated Puerto Rican because of Burns' "failed opportunities" to defend the title he first won when he beat Michael Katsidis in November 2011.
The Matchroom Sport boss was given until midnight on Monday to strike a deal with Gonzalez or the WBO would seek purse bids from other parties.
But an agreement was reached and Coatbridge fighter Burns will now face a man who has won all 22 of his contests so far, 17 by knock-out, on May 11 at Glasgow's 10,000-capacity Emirates Arena.
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The Scot, who has not fought since beating Kevin Mitchell in September last year, was told he must take on the undefeated Puerto Rican because of Burns' "failed opportunities" to defend the title he first won when he beat Michael Katsidis in November 2011.
The Matchroom Sport boss was given until midnight on Monday to strike a deal with Gonzalez or the WBO would seek purse bids from other parties.
But an agreement was reached and Coatbridge fighter Burns will now face a man who has won all 22 of his contests so far, 17 by knock-out, on May 11 at Glasgow's 10,000-capacity Emirates Arena.
[Click Here To Read More]
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