Ricky Burns to defend title against Terence Crawford on 1 March

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Ricky BurnsImage source, SNS

Ricky Burns will defend his WBO world lightweight title against Terence Crawford on 1 March at Glasgow's SECC.

Coatbridge fighter Burns has not fought since breaking his jaw in a draw with Raymundo Beltran in September.

American mandatory challenger Crawford, 26, is unbeaten in his 22 bouts and has won 16 of his fights by knockout.

Burns said: "Everybody is writing me off again with Terence but that doesn't bother me, I like being the underdog and can't wait to get back out there."

It will be the fifth time Burns attempts to defend this belt.

Prior to the controversial draw with Beltran, the 30-year-old had an unconvincing win against Puerto Rico's Jose Gonzalez in May.

"I have a point to prove," said Burns. "I've had two bad performances, we've made a few changes and some adjustments.

"We're going to be doing things differently, and fingers crossed that we see a new Ricky Burns on 1 March.

"As soon as the jaw injury happened against Beltran, I went into survival mode. Everybody knew that something was wrong, even if they didn't know exactly what it was.

"When the final bell went, I wasn't caring about the decision, I just knew that I had done damage.

"The first couple of months after the operation were a nightmare. They told me to watch what I was eating and I could hardly open my mouth. I couldn't speak."

Crawford has never fought outside the United States and is determined to take the belt back to Omaha, in Nebraska.

"I hope Burns is ready to walk to hell and back," he said. "I'm going to fight with all my heart.

"I have the determination and the skill to win the world title and bring it home."

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