Agree with the mismatch jibes but can’t argue with Burns earning a few more quid, if it’s a decent payday...nobody should have to go through the horror of working in sports direct...
Yes, the opponent is all wrong for him but realistically where does Ricky go from here if he doesn’t take on Taylor? The lad is hard as nails and has had a great career, and Taylor is a very special talent. This will sort of be an official handing over of the torch and I hope Burns earns a decent wedge to sign off.
Burns should have retired years ago, but as he is intent on fighting on, this is his biggest potential purse/fight. So negotiate for as much as he can get, box as safe as possible and sign off on home soil.
This is a big let down. Burns has had a great career and I don't begrudge him getting this fight. But it's a let down for the sake of the tournament, plus Taylor vs Baranchyk would've been a cracker. Plus I really like Ricky Burns and wouldn't really like to see him getting bashed up, which is what I can see happening if he fights Taylor. Baranchyk is now right up there with Mick Conlan and Anthony Yarde for boxers that I really don't like.
Sadly the last man to know he is proper finished is Burns himself. Although an exceptionally hard man, he is ponderous and slow against fast/slick southpaws. It should be a massacre where he struggles to make the final bell.
I really don't want to see this. I met Burns a few years ago. Lovely guy and has achieved loads in the game. But he is well past his best and Taylor will give him a beat down pure and simple - it will be cringing to watch.
