Where does Burns really rank in the lightweight division?

Forget the fact he has a belt, who's he better than in the top 5. For me Abrill and Vasquez are far better. Crawford will beat Burns imo, I would even favour Gamboa vs Burns and I also think Shakiov could beat him. Do you guys think that he will ever regain his form that he showed vs Martinez, Katsidis and Mitchill or not?

 

Beltran clearly better too.

If you look at his record, Martinez was at SFW, Katsidis was shot and Mitchell was not a test by any stretch of the imagination.

He's a paper champion.

 

Burns is not a top World level fighter and never has been, he's decent enough and has had a good run but it's a run that is coming to an end as he's found his level. Vasquez would absolutely school Burns.

 

I feel for Burns, he got messed about with alledgedly and fought Gonzalez don't forget he won unimpressivly but won.In his last fight he's showed more courage than any fighter I've seen for years in the ring, so I personally think he will get over his injury, back to his gym and prove he's world class because I think he's capable on his day to beat any of the above names.

 

Even Gamboa? Gamboa is AMAZING! He'd make short work of Ricky, IMHO.

 

Lol

 

Burns has defo hit his level, in fact in my opinion he is now over achieving.

 

Mitchell had to much time out of the ring when he fought burns I would love him to fight Mitchell if they fought again I'm convinced it be a different story

 

Don't people think Burns shouldn't be harshly judged on his last performance seeing as he had a broken jaw most of the fight.......yes Beltran deserved to win but you can't judge Burns performance

 

It's hard to make a case for ricky beating any of the guys in the top 5-6 after his last two fights. That said i do believe there's been something missing mentally from him recently- not fully focused..maybe lookin past opponents? Needs to get back to basics again a strong jab good footwork and a tight defense. Take fights into the later rounds bfore standing and trading not his style hence broken jaw- should have lost the fight.

 

This broken jaw excuse is ****ing boring.

You do realise his jaw was broken due to Beltran breaking it? It's not like it snapped on its own.

 

Yes but it still would've had an effect on the remainder of the performance


I don't even rate Burns massively but reading everyone crying out he was outclassed he was outclassed.......he wasn't boxing as he normally would...simple as that


I would give Burns more criticism on his previous performance cause he was hitting thin air most of the night


I know a broken jaw wouldn't probably effect your Internet activity but it does effect a boxing performance



Same as when so many people said Mosely easily beat up Collazo while overlooking the fact Collazo fought most of the fight with an injury. In these cases people should not get to caught up in performances.

 

I thought Mitchell would beat Burns but he looks small to mix at world level at lightweight.....shame cause I like the way he puts his shots together and I think he is a more skilful boxer than Burns

 

Elite lightweight?.....Certainly not a fighter that has overachieved in many respects.

Can you honestly see him going to the USA & beating any of the three or four top lightweights in the division not IMO.

 

He's the Scottish version of Calzaghe. He'll never fight out of Scotland.