Joseph Laryea not such a tall order for Ricky Burns

THE size of the task facing World Boxing Organisation super-featherweight champion Ricky Burns at the Braehead Arena tomorrow night seemed to shrink right in front of his eyes yesterday.

As challenger Joseph Laryea made a crude throat-slitting gesture when the two men faced each other for the traditional photographs at their head-to-head media conference in Glasgow, a knowing smile of contentment spread across Burns' features.

For, as well as being typically unfazed by Laryea's attempt to provoke him, Burns was gratified to discover that his Ghanaian opponent does not represent as tall an order as he had initially believed.

The 27-year-old Scot has been preparing for the second defence of his title under the impression Laryea would have a significant height advantage over him. But, in the flesh yesterday, Burns had no trouble making eye contact with the man who earned his shot at the title with an upset victory over former British featherweight champion Paul Appleby three months ago.

"I actually thought he was a lot taller than he is," revealed Burns. "We've been bringing in sparring partners who are six feet tall to prepare. But this is the first time I've met Joseph face to face. It was good to get a look at him and size him up. I think I've got his card marked."

Burns also believes Laryea's cut-throat hand signal simply betrayed an element of uncertainty on the African's part. It was reminiscent of previously unbeaten Roman Martinez's conduct at the weigh-in last September ahead of Burns' stellar performance in winning the title.

"Joseph did look a bit nervous when we were standing face to face," added Burns. "The gestures don't worry me at all. I've seen it all before. Once we get in the ring, none of that is going to matter.

"Maybe he's trying to intimidate me a wee bit, but that's not going to happen. I've got the utmost respect for all my opponents, including Joseph. I'm the first to shake their hand when we meet.

"Martinez did it too, putting his hand across his throat. I just gave him a wee smile, as if to say, 'We'll see what happens in the ring'. It worked out okay that night. I also fought Michael Gomez a couple of years ago, and I don't think you could get anyone more intimidating than him at a press conference or weigh-in. But again, I just laughed it off. All the nonsense, people trying to wind me up, it's not going to work."

Laryea's comprehensive defeat of Appleby, which scuppered plans for an all-Scottish world title fight, has ensured there is no hint of complacency in the Burns camp. The champion, however, also saw enough in that contest to convince him he will not suffer the same fate as his compatriot.

"We all know Paul Appleby had an off night against Joseph," observed Burns. "He wasn't himself that night. But Paul still managed to hurt Joseph with body shots. He just couldn't get the job finished. If I get that chance, I'll take it and I won't let him off the hook.

"It might be awkward for the first couple of rounds, because Joseph's style is so unorthodox. It should be a good boxing match for the first few rounds, because we both have good jabs. But, once he knows I'm not taking a backward step, I think the fight will be over. The speed will be in my favour."Burns was critical of his own display when he made a comfortable first defence of the title against Andreas Evensen at Braehead in December. There is a sense that he may never be able to better the sizzling form or unremitting drama of the night he was crowned champion against Martinez. "I don't look at it that way," insisted Burns. "I believe there is better to come from me. When I know I'm up against it, as I was in the Martinez fight with people writing me off, that's when I'm at my best.

"When you get it into your head that you've got to go out and look good, it's just an added pressure on you. So when people say I need to put on a performance, I tend to let it go to the back of my mind. I just need to get out there, do what I do and hold onto the title. If you go out looking for the knockout, it never happens. That's why I try to suss out my opponent for the first couple of rounds. But if I can reproduce what I've been doing in the gym, then people are definitely in for a good show on Saturday night."