By Adam Fillingham:

Last weekend

Last Saturday afternoon WBO super featherweight world champion Ricky Burns successfully defended his crown for the second time, in a seventh round retirement over No.11 ranked Joseph Laryea. Burns looked good with solid skills and it was obvious from the first bell this was going to be a miss match. The Scotsman had a far superior skill set winning every round.

This fight would not have set the world alight, nor propelled Burns to world status but he beat a solid fighter, with a decent performance, showing he deserves a unification bout with South African IBF champion Mzonke Fana.

In other action on the card British super middleweight champion James Degale defeated journeyman Alpay Kobal in sensational fashion. Degale stopped Kobal in 5 rounds. Kobal was a human punch bag though and it was clear from the moment the fight was announced that this was a warm up fight for James. Degale will now be set for the upcoming May 21st fight with Commonwealth champion George Groves in an exciting bout.

The only other fight I had the pleasure of watching was the bout between debutant Stephen Simmons who fought respected cruiserweight journeyman Nick Okoth. Stephen looked very quick for a big man and stopped his opponent in the second round. Watch this man, he looks like one for the future.

This weekend

The major fight this weekend is the bout between Brian Magee and Lucian Bute for the IBF Super middleweight title. This is the first time Magee has challenged for one of the major world titles and hopefully the current European champion can pull off an upset.

Magee will definitely be coming in the underdog and many boxing fans and pundits alike were quick to right the Irishman off. “It doesn’t phase me fighting in Montreal,” Magee stated. “And it’s nothing new being the underdog.”

The Irishman is undefeated in his last ten since his defeat to Carl Froch back in 2006 and has racked up the British and European straps in his last three fights but I really don’t think Magee has the tools or skill set to defeat the Canadian. Brian could pull off an upset and I hope he does, but its unlikely. The Irishman has the heart of a lion, the determination and will to win but Bute is just too skilled. I see this as an eighth round stoppage for Bute.

Also on the same night Liam Walsh defends his Commonwealth super featherweight title for the first time against once defeated Jon Kays. This will be a tough fight for Walsh but I think the Norfolk man will come through in a wide unanimous decision.

Quick News

WBC super bantamweight title challenger Rendall Munroe is set to face Chris Riley in his first fight back since his defeat to Toshiaki Nishioka last October. The fight will take place in April in a none title bout.

It has finally been announced that two of the biggest domestic clashes of the decade will be going ahead in the coming months. James “chunky” Degale will be taking on George Groves to unify the British and Commonwealth belts. Secondly is heavyweight sensations Tyson Fury and Derek Chisora who could face off at the end of July. This fight could be the best domestic fight in history, or a mass bore fest. Lets hope it’s the prior.

Saul Alverez may be set to defend his new WBC title against No.3 ranked Brit Ryan Rhodes. Alverez has already defeated a Brit in Matthew Hatton to win his belt but Rhodes is a far different ball game and it would be a great fight for all fans.

Justin Bieber has been spotted working out with WBA heavyweight champion David Haye. The Teen star tweeted “Worked out with Boxing Heavyweight Champion of the World David Haye. I took it easy on him. haha. good times (sic),”