According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBO Lightweight champion Ricky Burns will defend his crown against Raymundo Beltran on September 7th in Scotland.
“This has always been a fight that stylistically makes sense,” said Burns promoter Eddie Hearn, who made a deal with Beltran promoter Top Rank to put the fight on. “Beltran is a hugely entertaining and tough opponent who is on a hot run and ranked impressively across the governing bodies.”
“It’s great to be back out again in Glasgow and against another tough opponent,” Burns, 30, said. “It was a tricky night against Jose, but I got myself through it like a true champion does, and I will be looking to step up a gear against Beltran, who I know will be coming to Scotland full of confidence, so it should be another great night in Glasgow.
“Raymundo is coming over to cause an upset and take the title — and it’s a chance he has earned. But there will be no mistakes from me on the night, and you’ll see the best of me in there.”
“I have been waiting for this opportunity for a long time,” Beltran said. “I have been on the wrong side of some close decisions, but I have never quit on myself or my goal to be world champion. I will prepare for a long night and a hard fight.
“He is the champion, so he won’t give it to me. I have to take it from him. I am not flying across the ocean to just show up. He’s going to know that he’s in a war, and he’s going to know this was no tuneup or stay-busy fight for him.
“I have never fought easy fights. Whatever it takes to win — knockout, points, it will be a definitive for me so no one can question that I deserve to be the champion. He has had his time, and I respect him now, but the night of the fight he will get none until it’s over. Then it’s two warriors who have respect again. But he’s in for 12 rounds or less with me giving my all. This is for my family, my kids, so I can give them a good future. I’m taking them into the ring with me in my heart.”
