By Dallan o’ Donnell: Ricky Burns successfully defended his WBO super-featherweight title for the first time with a unanimous decision victory over his opponent Andreas Evensen. Burns made his intentions clear from the opening bell by knocking Evensen down in the opening 10 seconds.

Although never hurt or troubled by the knockdown it was a terrible way to begin a challenge for a world title. But to his credit, Evensen set a blistering pace throughout forcing Burns to fight every second of every round. Despite Evensen’s eagerness, Burns boxed his way to the defence by picking his punches, using his height and reach advantage.

He was never in truth troubled by Evensen but had to keep his concentration levels up for the whole 12 rounds and proved that his stunning win over Roman Martinez in September was no fluke or one-off.

Although defeated, Evensen gave a great account of himself bearing in mind professional boxing is banned in his home country. He can be proud of his performance in the fight taking Burns the distance despite not being past 8 rounds in his career.

What i would like to see from Burns now is a defence or two more of his title and then to step up a division to lightweight where some great fights could be made for him to possibly attempt to become a two weight world champion.

Tonight was not all great for Scottish fighters, Paul Appleby was beaten by Ghanaian Joseph Laryea in a 12 round split decision. I found it absurd to have a split decision as Appleby didn’t look as if he won more than 3 rounds. Laryea used his long jab to keep Appleby at a distance that suited the underdog Laryea.

The result and fight itself was a shock to most people as Appleby was huge favourite to win in front of admiring Scottish fans. He never looked in the contest and Laryea even had time for showboating toward the end which did not go down well with the fans.

This is another damaging defeat his first came in Belfast against Martin Lindsay. But now plans for an all Scottish showdown for the world title with Burns facing Appleby are surely off. Despite Appleby’s loss on the undercard Scottish fans can still go home proud and in the knowledge that they still have the WBO super-featherweight champion of the world in Ricky Burns and im sure there will be plenty of great nights ahead for Burns and Scottish boxing.