By Dan Risk: Ricky Burns (31-2-0 KO’s 7) continued his impressive run of form by beating the tough African Joseph Laryea (14-2-0 KO’s 11) in retaining his WBO super-featherweight title after the challenger was forced to retire before the eight round with a reported right hand injury.

This was always going to be a difficult fight for Burns as Laryea had proved on his last visit to Scotland by defeating Paul Appleby. Burns however was able to dominate the early proceedings and although Laryea show glimpses of class with a strong jab and some quick movement he was unable to deal with Burns work rate, solid combinations and experience.

For me, Burns was way head on the cards (69-61) and inevitably he would have begun to take control of the fight and win with a solid unanimous decision victory.

The question is now what fight should Burns take next. Much talk has been about a possible unification fight with 37 year-old IBF champion Mzonke Fana (27-3-0 KO’s 10) who I think Burns would have no problem with. Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t Burns best performance. He took some good shots and left his defenses vulnerable at times but he should have less trouble with the old Fana who is heading on the down slope.

Trainer Billy Nelson talked after the fight about getting him in the ring by May which would probably be against another low ranked WBO contender just to build up the record and his reputation.

A domestic showdown with Gary Sykes would be an exciting encounter. Sykes is coming off the back of an impressive decision victory in his British title fight with Carl Johansson (who beat Burns in the past). Nine stone four is an exciting decision, especially in Britain so Burns should find a class opponent out there.