Ricky Burns, the Commonwealth super featherweight champion, has been forced to withdraw from the undercard of Amir Khan’s title defence in Newcastle on instruction from the World Boxing Organisation.

The 26-year-old was scheduled to fight an eight-round “warm-up” fight against an unnamed opponent at the Metro Arena on December 5 with Khan’s WBA light welterweight defence against Dmitriy Salita topping the bill.

However, the WBO have warned that if the Coatbridge fighter appears on the bill, he will put in jeopardy his proposed bout with reigning champion Roman Martinez.

The WBO fear an injury to Burns will disrupt their plans to have the Puerto Rican defend his title early in 2010.

Burns is promoted by Frank Warren and co-managed by Warren and Alex Morrison. Both have received letters detailing the WBO’s stance on the issue.

The organisation have instructed Warren that he has 20 days to negotiate a deal with Martinez before the fight is opened up to purse bids.

Warren successfully negotiated with Martinez to face Nicky Cook and the promoter is hoping this will stand him in good stead to convince the champion to put his title on the line in Glasgow against Burns in February.

Burns’ stablemate Willie Limond, also promoted by Morrison, has expressed interest in regaining the Commonwealth title by facing ‘Aberdeen Assassin’ Lee McAllister.