WBO Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns will defend his title vs. unbeaten challenger Liam Walsh on Saturday 15th December at London’s ExCeL.  

The fight headlines promoter Frank Warren’s end of year multi-title show that also features Commonwealth Super-Middleweight Champion George Groves against Glen Johnson and Billy Joe Saunders defending his Commonwealth Middleweight title against Nick Blackwell.  

Walsh, 26, has stopped 10 of out 13 early and comes from a fighting family with brothers Ryan and Michael both unbeaten professionals.  

The winner of Burns and Walsh will also have the added bonus of then going into a unification fight against American star Adrien Broner who holds the WBC title.  

Burns said, “Nothing stirs the sports fans like a good English-Scottish showdown just like my fight against Mitchell (Kevin) did and the fans are in for a real treat before Christmas with this one. Walsh is a good strong fighter, he’s unbeaten and this is his big chance to win the world title.  

“I was ringside when he fought Appleby(Paul) and he showed tremendous heart and strength to come through when he was deep in trouble. I’ll be in the best shape possible and will leave nothing to chance for this one. The big motivator is a showdown with Broner, who I was accused of avoiding last year. Since moving up to lightweight and winning the world title my stock and profile has increased and now that it’s a unification fight it’s a much bigger fight than before.”  

Speaking about his world title opportunity Walsh said, “To fight for the world title is my dream and I’m going to cause a big upset on December 15 at the Excel when I take the crown from Burns. It’s always been on my mind that I would fight him one day and it’s now here. He’s a great champion, I’ve studied and watched him throughout his career and I know I’ve got the tools to beat him. He’s looked great in the last few years and he did a stunning job on Mitchell. He’s in the prime of his career now so when I beat him people will know that I’ve beaten the best. I’ll have massive support from my ‘Farmy Army’ fans who will be coming to the Excel creating an electric atmosphere.”

SecondsOut.com to Doghouse Boxing.