WBO Lightweight champion Ricky Burns will defend his crown against mandatory defense against Jose Gonzalez on May 11th in Glasgow, Scotland according to Dan Rafael of espn.com
“It’s been a tough few days and we’ve had plenty of obstacles to overcome, but I’m delighted to bring Jose Gonzalez to Glasgow for what I feel will be the beginning of a new era for Scottish boxing,” said Burns promoter Eddie Hearn. “Gonzalez is ranked No. 1 (by the WBO), undefeated and comes with a dangerous reputation. It’s imperative that we deal with our mandatory challenger to pave the way for big unification clashes.”
“I’m really looking forward to May 11,” Burns said. “He’s a big puncher with a great KO record, but I’ve been in with big punchers before and that doesn’t worry me in the slightest. It’s great to have the date and name sorted now so I can just focus on getting myself in great shape for a big night in Glasgow.”
“I’m very glad for this opportunity and it’s a dream come true fighting for the world title as the mandatory challenger,” Gonzalez said. “I’m not worried about fighting in Burns’ homeland. I’m preparing greatly for this fight and I’m sure I will bring the world title to my country.”
Said Gonzalez promoter Peter Rivera, “For us it’s like a rematch fight because Burns already beat one of our fighters, Roman Martinez (in a 2010 junior lightweight title fight), and now Gonzalez has the chance to avenge that loss.”
