Thursday 6 October 2016 14:33, UK
Ohara Davies says Ricky Burns is the perfect role model as he aspires to match the achievements of the three-weight world champion.
Burns makes the first defence of his WBO super-lightweight title against Kiryl Relikh in Glasgow on Friday night, live on Sky Sports, and Davies has been training alongside the Scot in recent weeks.
The Hackney man admits that he and Conor Benn often engage in lively sparring sessions with Burns under the watchful eye of trainer Tony Sims, but the 24-year-old maintains a genuine respect for the older champion.
"He likes the ego we have, and if I get angry in sparring and go against him," Davies told Sky Sports.
"I get angry with him and he's so humble and he keeps his cool even when people say things to him and wildly swing as I have in sparring.
I will sit back, wait and watch him spar, even if I am changed and ready to go home.
"I learn more on the fitness side of things, he's so fit. He keeps working the jab, while in the later rounds I throw big shots.
"Ricky keeps basics from the first round to the last. I will sit back, wait and watch him spar, even if I am changed and ready to go home. He is the same in the first round as he is in the last round, and I want to get to that level one day."
Burns has experienced a rollercoaster career, suffering a broken jaw and heartbreaking defeats along with his world title victories at three different weights.
Davies, who has compiled 13 wins in or around the same weight division, is keen to learn from Burns' experiences inside and outside the ring.
"I speak to Ricky about anything, even if it is a touchy subject, even personal questions, life at home, wife and kids.
"If he wants to answer he will, if he doesn't he won't. I look at what he does and things he has done and look at his achievements and his mistakes and try to avoid them. I am taking in everything from everyone I see."
A lucrative fight with Adrien Broner could lie ahead for Burns if he defeats Relikh and Davies believes the Coatbridge hero could be two wins away from finally gaining the widespread praise his achievements merit.
"If he fights Adrien Broner before the end of the year, once he beats Adrien Broner he will get the recognition he deserves.
"I have seen him work harder and harder each camp. He has pushed himself and dedicated his whole life to boxing. I have no doubt he will get further than he already is now, especially if he gets a fight with Broner."
