AHEAD of the vacant WBA super-lightweight title fight between Scotland’s Ricky Burns and Italian Michele Di Rocco at the SSE Hydro in Glasgow on Saturday May 28, Boxing News spoke to two-time British 140lb champion Lenny Daws for his views on the bout. The Morden man, who dropped a disputed unanimous 12-round decision to Di Rocco in Italy three years ago, believes the result will depend on what condition the visitor is in on the night.
“It’s an interesting fight,” Daws said. “With it being in Scotland, Burns will obviously have the crowd right behind him. The possibility of becoming a three-weight world champion will be a big motivation for Ricky – it’d be a great achievement if he pulls it off. Di Rocco hasn’t fought for a year, so if he isn’t 100 per cent, Burns could do it. However, if Di Rocco isn’t too rusty, I can see him outboxing Ricky and winning on points.”
Daws was challenging for the unoccupied European super-lightweight crown when he lost to Di Rocco back in 2013. Most recently in December, the 37-year-old contested the vacant EBU 140lb strap again, only to suffer another contentious defeat, this time via 10th-round disqualification against Spain’s Ruben Nieto in Carshalton. Much to Lenny’s delight, an immediate rematch was ordered by the EBU after an appeal was lodged by his promoter, Mick Hennessy.
“I’ve been training hard in the gym and waiting for official confirmation on the rematch with Nieto. We’re hoping that it’ll be sorted for July,” stated Daws. “It’s the fight I want, as it’ll allow me to set the record straight. Mick has got the fight in the UK for me, although an exact venue hasn’t been confirmed yet. I’m more focused this time, and I’m going to get the job done.”
