Ricky Burns on big fight with Lytham's Scott Cardle: Defeat would be a disaster for both of us

Ricky Burns says his clash with Lytham's former British lightweight champion Scott Cardle on Saturday is the definition of a must-win fight for both men.
Ricky Burns believes doors will open for the winner of his fight against Scott CardleRicky Burns believes doors will open for the winner of his fight against Scott Cardle
Ricky Burns believes doors will open for the winner of his fight against Scott Cardle
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Scotty Cardle to take on Ricky Burns on undercard of Tony Bellew v Oleksandr Usy...

The pair meet on the undercard of Tony Bellew’s highly-anticipated undisputed cruiserweight clash with Oleksandr Usyk at Manchester Arena, knowing the winner will be set for a big 2019 with major title fights on the cards.

A slip-up for either man would spell disaster, with the loser facing a tough Christmas period knowing that a long and hard road back to title contention would lie ahead.

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Cardle, 29, held the British title for two years (2015-17) but lost to Lewis Ritson in his bid to regain the crown in March this year. He has since beaten Michael Mooney in Cardiff on points in August.

Burns won his 50th fight as a professional in June, stopping Croat Ivan Njegac after four rounds and returns to the scene of his October 2017 points loss to Anthony Crolla determined to prove he has plenty left in the tank.

The Scot, 35, still harbours dreams of fighting for World titles again and a rematch with Manchester favourite Crolla is top of a list of fights he wants as he prepares to write new chapters in his story.

Burns (right) said: “There are some big fights to be made in the lghtweight division and a win here in front of such a large TV audience will put me further in the frame for next year.

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“The Manchester crowd last time out was fantastic and obviously Anthony Crolla is fighting on the bill.

“I’d still love that rematch down the line but first and foremost Scotty has my full attention.

“Training has gone really well, I’m always keeping busy in the gym waiting for the phone to ring. It doesn’t matter who I fight – I train for every fight the same, so the short notice doesn’t change anything drastically in terms of our preparation.

“These domestic dust-ups get the fans excited and it’s a great show to be fighting on.

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“We had to bring forward the last spar and start an earlier weight cut but I’m more than ready to go.

“On reflection it’s been a tough year but that’s boxing. Sometimes you don’t get the breaks and it’s a bit of a waiting game. I’m not oblivious to the fact I’m coming to the back end of my career but there’s still life in me yet – just ask the lads who I train with day in, day out.

“When you weigh it up, it’s a must-win fight for the both of us. If I am to get a big fight early next year I can’t afford to slip up here and for Scotty this is an avenue to get back in to title contention.”

It’s a late change of opponent for Cardle, who was due to challenge the injured Joe Cordina for the Commonwealth title on Saturday.