Julius Indongo is relishing his upcoming fight with Ricky Burns in Glasgow as he aims to add the WBA title to his current IBF and IBO title belts.
Namibian Indongo takes on Scotsman Ricky Burns in a World Super – Lightweight unification showdown in Glasgow at the SSE Hydro on Saturday 15th April 2017, live on Sky Sports.
And Indongo is not intimidated at fighting in Burns’ hometown as he told the current WBA Super Light – heavyweight champ that the hometown fans won’t be able to help him when they clash.
Indongo won the IBF and IBO belts in December when he fought for the first time outside of Namibia in Russia, against Eduard Troyanovsky, who he KO’d in one punch for the win. Many believe the win was a fluke and Indongo is ready to prove his doubters wrong in the clash in Scotland.
“We’re focused and ready,” said Indongo. “I’ve polished the tools and technique for the fight. He’s picked us which is fine with me. It’s not easy to fight someone in their backyard but you need to make sure that you are totally prepared for the task.”
“We don’t have any doubts in this team. The aim is to keep winning. I’ve heard what they’ve been saying. They said it was a lucky punch that floored Troyanovsky. It’s always easy to talk. Bring Burns in front of me and we will see who is the best.”
Julius Indongo’s first 20 fights in paid ranks have been on home soil, having not left Africa for a title fight until now when he will travel to a hostile reception at the SSE Hydro from the Scottish fans. But Indongo won’t be phased by the crowd and had a warning for both the fans and for Burns.
“Fighting away from home has never been a problem,” said Indongo. “I know that we cannot host such a huge event in South Africa so I am always prepared to travel. There’s only Ricky and me in the ring, the fans will have no effect on me.”
Confidence is high in the Indongo camp as he went on to say, “The KO will be a bonus but we’re training for hard rounds, I am undefeated and have no doubts that I will stay that way.
“We are not that well recognised in the world of boxing but I warn you – do not underestimate us, because that’s what happened in Moscow.”
Fellow countryman Paulus Moses challenged Ricky Burns in March 2012 for the WBO Lightweight title in Scotland and lost the fight, a result that Indongo didn’t agree with.
“I thought Paulus won the fight but maybe he didn’t win because it was in Scotland,” said Indongo. “I don’t think he beat Relikh either, but you cannot look at that, he must not take me lightly or make mistakes.”
The Blue Machine is already looking towards the future, dreaming of a title bout in Las Vegas where he believes he can defend both his current belts and the belt he believes he will win on Saturday night.
“The sky is the limit for me. I will fight anybody, but the dream is to fight in Las Vegas, I want someone to make me a bigger offer to fight there and defend all the titles, including the WBA belt I will win.”
Indongo’s clash with Burns is part of a huge night of action in Glasgow, and the undercard is led by a pair of British title fights as Scotty Cardle looks to land the Lightweight title outright when he faces Robbie Barrett and Charlie Edwards and Iain Butcher clash for the vacant Super-Flyweight title.
Rio Olympian Josh Kelly makes his pro debut, his Team GB teammate Lawrence Okolie boxes for the second time in the pros, Charlie Flynn fights for his first pro title as he faces Ryan Collins for the Celtic Lightweight title and Joe Ham takes on Scott McCormack for the Scottish Super-Bantamweight title.
Tickets for April 15 are on general sale priced £40, £60 and £100 from www.thessehydro.com and £200 VIP exclusively at www.matchroomboxing.com
