By James McKnight @JamesMcKnight83
BURNS AIMING TO EXTINGUISH GONZALEZ THREAT!
Ricky Burns is aiming to make a third successive defense of the WBO lightweight title on May 11. The Coatbridge fighter comes up against Puerta Rican mandatory challenger, Jose Gonzalez, at the Emirates arena, Glasgow.
Burns (35-2-0, 10 KO's), split from promoter, Frank Warren, in March and signed with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport. This was down to Burns' unification title bout with Mexican IBF 135lb titlist, Miguel Vazquez, being called off for a second time. Burns, 30, claimed the interim WBO belt in November 2011 when he defeated Australian, Michael Katsidis, at Wembley arena, London. 'Rickster' then defended the belt in March 2012 beating Namibian, Paulus Moses, in Glasgow. Both of those victories were won by unanimous decision after 12 rounds. Burns then returned to Glasgow in September. He put on one of his most impressive performances to date by stopping England's, Kevin Mitchell, in just four rounds.
