Ricky Burns successfully makes weight for first defence of WBA super-lightweight title

By Richard Damerell

Ricky Burns and Kiryl Relikh made weight for their Sky Live showdown

Ricky Burns looked in peak condition as he successfully made weight for the first defence of his WBA super-lightweight title against Kiryl Relikh.

The Scotsman weighed in at 9st 13lbs 2 ounces ahead of his homecoming fight against the Belarusian at the SSE Hydro on Friday night, live on Sky Sports.

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Relikh was initially four ounces over the 10st limit but shed the surplus at the third attempt within the allotted hour.

Pre-fight talk about a future bout with Adrien Broner has been shrugged off by Burns, who believes he might have to dig deep against his unbeaten opponent. 

"Everything has went well, no injuries," Burns told Sky Sports. "Weight has gone a bit too well. I have been sitting on the weight now for the last couple of days. I've still been eating, so that's why I'm smiling the day of the weigh-in.

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Image: Kiryl Relikh (r) was narrowly over the limit at the first attempt

"We're 100 per cent ready for this. We know it's going to be hard, but we get the win here then we look at the bigger things.

"I can't look past this one. I've never done it in my career. The Broner fight could have happened October this year as well. Obviously that has fell through and we've decided to go down the mandatory route. But as long as I win, these things are still an option for me."     

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Image: Dillian Whyte will claim the British title if he defeats Ian Lewison

On the undercard, Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison will battle for the vacant British heavyweight title and the south London rivals raised a few laughs with their pre-fight antics.

Whyte tipped the scales at 18st 1lbs and appeared to poke fun at his fellow Brixton man's physique after he weighed in at 19st 7lbs, rubbing Lewison's tummy before tweaking his chest.

Ricky Burns says he is fully focused on his opponent Kiryl Relikh

Lewison kept his composure as security moved in to separate the pair, who have vowed to produce an explosive showdown when they contest the Lonsdale Belt.

Heavyweights Dillian Whyte and Ian Lewison are ready to rumble

Scott Cardle will make the third defence of his British lightweight title against Kevin Hooper and both made the 9st 9lb limit.

You can watch Ricky Burns against Kiryl Relikh, England's tour of Bangladesh, plus Premier League football and the Japan Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy three months at half price!

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