BACK in April, when Ricky Burns was being slowly and systematically taken apart by the rangy Julius Indongo, few would have been surprised, after the necessary period of recuperation, if the record-breaking Coatbridge fighter had decided to call it a day.

Yesterday, however, Burns, who had stated all along that he intended extending his pro career further, turned up in Manchester to confirm what we found out 24 hours previously – that his next fight would be against former WBA lightweight champion Anthony Crolla at the Manchester Arena on October 7.

While promoter Eddie Hearn was quick to bill this one as a possible final eliminator for a shot at the world title, it was difficult to think of it as anything else other than a last chance for both men to stay relevant on the world stage. 

“All I seem to be getting now from people is ‘when are you going to retire?’” said Burns, a former WBO lightweight title holder.

“I still have another couple of years left in me. Nobody would know more than myself if it was time to call it a day. But I’m not looking at it that way. 

“I’ve been involved in boxing from day one to be in these kind of fights. Anthony has a great following in Manchester. but I’ve got a great following back home and since this fight has been announced, the response has been great as well. 

“I’m just really looking forward to it and getting there and getting on with it.”

Burns, who now has a 41-6-1 record, including 14 knockout wins, is looking forward to taking on Crolla in his own backyard.

“I’ve never boxed there but I have been to a few events. I know there is a passionate crowd there. It’ll be a great night of boxing with a cracking atmosphere.

“When we took this fight on, this was always first choice for me. There were a few options offered, but, me and Anthony are both on the same boat, looking for that one fight that would get us back into title contention. We’ve got that opportunity and everything is on the line and the best man will win.”

Burns, the first Scot to win world titles at three different weights, will again shed a few pounds to meet Crolla, having previously lost his WBA light-welterweight crown to Indongo in their unification bout in Glasgow

And according to 34-year-old Burns, he doesn’t see making the 135lbs limit a problem.

“It hasn’t changed things, training wise. I just have to cut out my wee sneaky treats at night now,” he joked. 

“When we were first offered the fight at light-welterweight, the fight was the reason for moving up. I’d have always stayed at lightweight if the opportunities had come. For the last few fights we’ve been hovering about under the weight limits. 

“I’m going to be working with a dietician now, He will be keeping me on track and making sure the weight is coming down gradually and properly, so I don’t see coming back down to lightweight as an issue. I know we can do this weight comfortably and there will be no issues.

“But as (promoter) Eddie Hearn said, this could be a final eliminator and possibly lead to a world title fight. You don’t need any more incentive than that.”

Crolla, who failed to regain the WBA lightweight title in March as he lost his rematch with Jorge Linares, was in no doubt what defeat would mean for either fighter.

“Ricky and I sparred together years ago. Since then we’ve both improved as fighters and have a lot more experience.

“I look at every fight as a must-win, but certainly the winner of this one is almost guaranteed another world title shot. 

“The loser has two choices – to retire, or take that tough old road back to try to climb up to that level again. I’m confident of winning.”