Ricky Burns v Michele Di Rocco – Who wins?
The last weekend in May will see world title action in Scotland’s largest city – Glasgow.
Returning to Scotland for the first fight there in nearly two years, Ricky Burns (39-5-1) is aiming to become a three-weight World champion when he takes on Italian Michele Di Rocco (40-1-1) for the vacant WBA World super-lightweight title at the SSE Hydro, live on Sky Sports.
32-year-old Burns will be roared on by his hometown faithful as he as he aims to add world title glory at 140lbs to his previous reigns as WBO champ at super-featherweight and lightweight.
Standing in his way is Italian King Di Rocco, as the 33-year-old long-reigning European titleholder gets his first shot at a world title after an 11-and-a-half year-long career.
BBN asked a panel of experts for their view on whether 'Rickster' can make history as a triple champion, thus adding his name alongside greats such as the legendary Bob Fitzsimmons.
Ricky Hatton Two-weight World champion
“Di Rocco is obviously a decent boxer to have a 40-1 record, although I haven’t seen him there doesn’t seem too many names on his record apart from Lenny Daws and Guiseppi Lauri.
The majority of his fights being in Italy it's highly likely that Ricky Burns has fought at a higher level and that’s why I give Ricky the advantage, possibly a points win and then hopefully he can fight my unbeaten light-welter Kiryl Relikh, who is WBA ranked number 4 and 7 with the IBF.”
Miles ShinkwinSouthern Area light-heavyweight champion
“I really haven't seen a lot of Di Rocco to give an accurate assessment of him. Burns has had it tough of late, fighting at home in the last chance saloon you'd have to back him. Plus, I can never back against a Brit. Burns on points for me.”
Niall DoranBoxing News & Views
"Really looking forward to this one. At 33, Ricky is a seasoned warrior now and also has built up some decent momentum recently. Although Di Rocco is also experienced and has a good record, he hasn't boxed anywhere near the same level of competition that Burns has. I like Ricky Burns by unanimous decision."
Tim RicksonTR Sports Agency
“It’s a closely-contested match-up on paper. The Italian has a better win ratio but the calibre of his opponents does not allow for a great deal of acclaim as he's safely sat at European level for most of his career. Six stoppages from his last 10 fights is an impressive stat, however. Burns’ form is a different story to Di Rocco’s having only won half his fights in the past two years, losing his WBO World lightweight title in the process. That said, his losses came from two of the best super-lightweights in the world right now – Terence Crawford and Omar Figueroa Jr. Di Rocco has never been in with fighters of their standard. I think Burns will have a renewed drive for this one, being in his hometown, the enormity of the task, and being more about legacy and entering the history books than the actual belt that could adorn his waist. He’ll be thinking of his name being added to that elite group that lists Bob Fitzsimmons, Henry Armstrong, Sugar Ray Leonard, Thomas Hearns, Floyd Mayweather… Although I believe the pair are closely matched in ability, Rickster edges it for me and has the upper hand having experienced so many big world title fights already, and will win via a unanimous points decision.”
Dean Gillen British Challenge Belt Contender
“It's quite obvious that former world champion Ricky Burns has fought at a higher level than his opponent Di Rocco, who hasn't moved forward from European level, until now! Experience is key, Burns has that edge during this bout, he also has the home advantage with the prospect of becoming a three-weight world champion and his name firmly placed in the history books! With this in mind, I believe Burns will be fired up for this one and his work rate will carry him on to win!”
Matt Marsh Former British super-bantamweight champion
“Burns has got a tough fight on his hands with Michele Di Rocco. If he's fit and at his best then he should win. Burns on points for me but it will be close.”
George Hennon Unbeaten welterweight
“Burns on points for me. Not seen much of Di Rocco but I think the home advantage will swing it in Burns' favour. Hopefully, I'll get to watch it live as I'm fighting on the same show against Sam Ball.”
Paul Hilz British Challenge Belt Contender
“I think this is the one fight Ricky knows he must win to put himself back at world level, and he's the got the fire in his belly to do just that. Having seen the intensity he trains with and seeing how committed he is to boxing, I have no doubt he will be victorious with a points win. He has the chance to make history by winning this world title and I, for one, have full confidence in him doing this. I don't think he'll have it all his own way but he will come out on top.”
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