By William Mackay: WBO interim lightweight champion Ricky Burns (33-2, 9 KO’s) was reportedly chased by some thugs while on a run in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, Scotland on Monday. Instead of turning and trying to fight them, Burns turned and ran and was able to run fast enough to get away.

Burns then called the police, but they didn’t show up in time to catch the culprits. They reportedly threw cans and bottles at Burns while he was running from them.

Burns told the thescottishsun.co.uk “Out jogging and a group decide to shout abuse at you, chuck stuff and chase you. You phone police and report it and they just drive by 10 minutes later. It’s a joke. What’s Coatbridge coming to?”
Burns, 5’10” 135 lbs, isn’t exactly an imposing looking specimen even when he’s in tip top shape, so it’s not surprising that he was picked on by a group of kids.

What’s surprising is that they chose to throw stuff at Burns instead of confronting him and trying to beat him up. But Burns might have started running and that prevented the actual assault and resulted in the youths likely deciding to throw things. It’s a good thing that Burns didn’t stop and try to fight them, because he might have taken a beating.

Burns is scheduled to fight on March 10th in Glascow, Scotland against an opponent still to be determined. He recently beat Michael Katsidis by a 12 round unanimous decision in his last fight in November. Burns is hoping to get a fight against WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez or get the vacated title if Marquez decides not to defend the belt, which is what likely will happen.