World champion keeping feet on the ground ahead of defence
Ricky Burns is happy to let other people do the talking for him as he prepares to defend his WBO super-featherweight title against Joseph Laryea on Saturday.
Burns will be a big favourite to make a successful second defence of the title, one that is expected to earn him a unification fight with IBF champion Mzonke Fana later this year.
The Scot has been mentioned in the same breath as countrymen Benny Lynch, Ken Buchanan and Jim Watt by trainer Billy Nelson, although the unassuming Burns is uncomfortable with such acclaim.
"Other people have told me what Billy has said but I am always the last person to praise me," said Burns. "I just get embarrassed by it all.
"I am getting used to the media attention, that doesn't bother me anymore.
"But when people are talking you up, I just feel myself cringing a bit sometimes.
Normal
"And when people praise you it puts that little bit pressure on you.
"I don't see it as a big deal. I see myself as a normal guy. I treat boxing like my job.
"Everyone knows what I am like. I like to keep myself to myself and do my talking in the ring."
Burns is looking forward to fighting again three months after beating Andreas Evensen with a one-sided points verdict.
"The countdown is on now and once the weigh-in is over I can concentrate fully on the fight, so roll on Saturday night," he added.
"The training has eased off in this last week. All the hard work is done, training now is light and fast.
"Even my runs are slow. No more sprinting. I am saving my body for Saturday night and I can't wait for the fight to take place."
