The WBA champion, Ricky Burns faces up to the IBF world champion Julius Indongo at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on the 15th April 2017. The winner of the match will unify the titles and then should be looking forward to heading off to the United States; to further cement their position with a final unification fight, most likely to be in Las Vegas. 

 

Burns has been training hard for the fight, as he has to lose the excess pounds to achieve the fight weight of ten stone. Trainer Tony Sims has been credited in getting the Scottish fighter primed and ready to face the Namibian boxer. Sims has already stated that 10st is the ideal weight for Ricky, and strongly believes his fighter will be favourite as the match draws closer.

 

Indongo is also confident about his own chances of successfully defending his title. Online sports betting operators have the unbeaten 34 year old as the favourite, even though it will be only the second time in his career that he will fighting outside his native country, Namibia. Julius won the title in impressive fashion; with a first round knockout of the Russian Eduard Troyanovsky in Moscow, back in December 2016.

 

 

On paper, one can argue that both boxers are similar with regards to age and height. However, Julius Indongo is yet to lose a fight after 21 matches, plus roughly half his wins have been by knockout and he is a southpaw. 

 

Ricky has more experience with 41 fights under his belt, and has lost 5 and drawn 1; but has a history of struggling against southpaws. Furthermore, even though Sims believes 10st to be his perfect weight, it is no secret that anyone losing weight before a big fight can be at a disadvantage; especially if their opponent does not have to focus or change their own weight.

 

Burns will be hoping that his tough preparation away from his wife and son, will provide that edge required to bring the first defeat for Indongo. The Scottish boxer does not regard Julius to be a threat in terms of landing a knockout punch, and is of the opinion that Troyanovsky may have just been caught with a lucky punch on the night.

 

Furthermore, sports betting fans will need to factor in the home support for Ricky. It will come as no surprise to boxing fans that Glaswegians are very serious about their boxing; and will be hoping that their huge presence and vocal support will give Burns that extra edge and confidence required to make the night a success for Scottish boxing.

 

What ever happens, boxing enthusiasts should be in for a treat; as with so much on the line, it will ultimately be fighter who wants it the most, that will most likely be one standing at the end of the night!