The Write Hook

By Ciaran Shanks

TITLE: LAST CHANCE FOR RICKY?

I WAS delighted to read that big-time boxing will soon be returning to Scotland’s biggest city.

Former WBO lightweight king and Scottish boxing’s premier fighter of the last five years, Ricky Burns, will get another crack at ‘world’ honours.

Although I use that term loosely as the Coatbridge man will challenge Italian veteran Michele Di Rocco for the much-despised WBA (regular) light-welterweight crown likely on May 21 at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro.

For all the belt’s worth has been heavily criticised in this column, a win would put him back in contention for more lucrative fights – a loss could all but end any future ambitions.

Regular readers will know I have regularly heaped praise on the “Rickster” for flying the flag for his country as a two-weight world champion.

It’s plain to see though that Burns is not the same fighter that starched Kevin Mitchell in September 2012, his last great performance.

That Ricky Burns would beat any of the lightweight division’s current world champions in my view.

But despite suffering an appalling points robbery against a well-overweight Omar Figueroa in Texas last year, Burns, now 32, proved he still deserves to be in the mix for a world title crack.

This fight couldn’t have been set-up any easier for him - a ‘world’ title shot against an opponent who hasn't fought anyone at world level in Burns’ hometown

He must win and win convincingly to have any chance of reclaiming his former glory.

Di Rocco, 33, is the current European light-welterweight champion and his best victory is a highly contentious points win over ex-British titleist Lenny Daws.

You can imagine I'm hardly salivating about this match-up.

But I'm glad to see Burns at least getting an opportunity, he deserves it after his showing in Texas but I would love to see him rematch Figueroa at the right weight.

One thing that excites me about the show is the potential undercard, Charlie Flynn will be involved with Willie Limond set to face Tyrone Nurse for the British light-welterweight strap.

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Flynn will also headline a boxing show in Glasgow this Friday for STV Glasgow, probably the best thing they’ll ever produce!

A changing of the guard could officially be underway with Flynn and Burns as Scotland’s next box office star – even if Burns wins - much like Burns assumed the throne following Scott Harrison’s plunge into the abyss.

Many will argue were better fights out there for Burns at lightweight but in fairness WBA champ Anthony Crolla is fighting Ismael Barroso, Terry Flanagan just defended his WBO belt against Derry Mathews, the money fights weren't available.

I'll be rooting for him at the Hydro, he’s done so much for the sport in Scotland.

Hopefully a new chapter in Ricky Burns’ career will begin with victory at the Hydro.