Ricky Burns expects 'hardest fight' of his career against Kevin Mitchell

Scots boxing champion Ricky Burns says his is expecting the "hardest fight" of his career when he steps into the ring with Kevin Mitchell to defend his WBO lightweight title.

In what promises to be a true Battle of Britain bout when he squares up to the talented Londoner later this year at Glasgow SECC Arena, Burns believes he will be "testing himself against the best" in one of the most hotly anticipated fights in recent years.

Speculation has been building about a possible fight between the pair - who are good friends outside of the ring - ever since Burns comfortably defended his title against Namibian Paulus Moses at Glasgow's Braehead Arena in January, with the Coatbridge fighter publicly naming Mitchell as his preferred next opponent.

But Burns admits both fighters are prepared to put their friendship to one side in order to claim the title.

Speaking at his press conference, he said: “The countdown is on.

“The fight trade has been talking about us two meeting for a while now and it’s happening at the perfect time.

“Mitchell is a great fighter and I’ve got to know him well outside of the ring, but it’s a shame in this business that that will have to be put aside while we’re fighting it out and there can only be one winner.

“For me it’s about testing myself against the best and proving how good I am. Mitchell’s the next best in Britain and I’m sure he’s going to give me the hardest fight of my career and that’s what I’m preparing for - a real battle."

For Mitchell it will be his second shot at a world title with his sole loss coming against Michael Katsidis - who Burns defeated last year - in 2010.

However, the Dagenham Destroyer has rebounded with a fantastic performance over John Murray last July and he insists he has what it takes to defeat the Rickster on September 22.

He said: "Ricky’s a great person, a lovely guy and I consider him a mate of mine.

“Business is business though and if I lose then I’m back to the bottom of the pack and I’m not going there so it’s must win fight for me, losing to Ricky is not a option.

“We’re full of respect for each other, we’re both at the top of our game and it’s a fight between the two best in Britain and two of the best in the world, it’s going to be a great fight for the fans and media.

“Once we’re in that ring and the bell goes, though, it’s going to be brutal, Ricky knows what he’s got in front of him and I’m going to be hitting him harder and faster than he’s ever been hit before.

“I’m in this business to win world titles, I lost the first attempt against Michael Katsidis and I won’t be needing a third, this is it for me.”

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