Burns - I'm getting better

Ricky Burns: Stopped Kevin Mitchell inside four rounds

Ricky Burns believes he is getting "better and better" after producing a commanding performance against Kevin Mitchell on Saturday night.

The Coatbridge fighter stopped Mitchell inside four rounds to defend his WBO lightweight title for a second time at the SECC in Glasgow.

Speaking afterwards, Burns believes Mitchell brought out the best in him, and paid the price.

"I thought a couple of rounds were close but I think I showed again that I'm getting more confident and my boxing is changing," he said.

"I'm getting better and better and said Kevin would bring out the best in me, and he did."

Big chance

Burns added: "When he went down for the second time I was thinking to myself, do I go in and finish it off or just hold off because I didn't know how much time was left in the round.

"But I just went for it and the ref did the right thing stopping it because I wasn't stopping punching."

Mitchell had said before the fight this was his last big chance and he might quit if he lost but he is determined to get back in the ring.

Mitchell, who felt his timing was out, said: "I want to get back in regularly and get back out fighting again soon.

"I've had about four fights in three or four years. It's ridiculous.

"I've got to get back working hard, get back sparring hard and fight again in December."