Johanneson ready for War by Paul Concannon Jan 31st 2007

The eagerly awaited super-featherweight showdown between champion Carl Johanneson of Leeds and challenger Ricky Burns of Glasgow takes place at the Leeds Town Hall on the 9th February, it's a fight promoter Rick Manners calls, “The domestic fight of the year.” There had been rumours of a Burns pullout at the last minute, Manners, however, sees this as highly unlikely, “I feel with so much Scottish pride and with Ricky Burns wanting this fight, he has no option but to turn up. This fight represents the best of England and the second best of Scotland with one being a boxer and one being a puncher. “This is Frank Warren's last chance to control the super-featherweight division now that Alex Arthur has given up the European title. Sports Network won't risk Commonwealth champion Kevin Mitchell at this stage. All Scotland's hopes are on Ricky Burns and you have to respect him, he had a valiant fight with Alex Arthur in Scotland, now he has to produce the same form to survive against the Yorkshire puncher Carl Johanneson. “Since Carl's return to form he has stopped all of the opponents put in front of him and he's in no doubt the same thing will happen to Burns. I really can't see Ricky keeping Carl off him for 12 rounds and beating him on points. Every boxer who has wanted to engage Carl head-on in a toe-to-toe contest has been stopped. Johanneson will not take Burns for granted; it's just another man in his way. He made a special promise to someone and I can't see him breaking it. His will is too strong and he's a natural fighter. Ricky Burns is the ideal test to prove to all the sceptics that Carl Johanneson is the real deal and he truly is a man on a mission. “Ricky Burns you better be ready for the reception at fortress Leeds worthy of an invader, as Carl Johanneson will send you home to think again!” For the last remaining tickets calls FTM Sports 0871 2261508 or Bauer Events Ltd on 0113 243 6017. Ticket prices: £35 & £65: Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds. Doors open 6.00 pm, boxing starts 7.00 pm.

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