By Steven Ocallaghan: After a powerful performance over Kevin Mitchell at the SECC in Glasgow last Saturday night, Ricky Burns has established himself as one of the top 3 lightweights in the world.

In blasting out Kevin Mitchell, Burns shouldn’t fear any of the other guys at this weight. The top 3 guys for me are Burns, Miguel Vasquez and Antonio Demarco and I think the tough Scot could take on both and win.

Adrien Broner is a much hyped fighter, and arguably a skilled one but at 5’7″ he would be to small for the big lightweight 5’10” Burns. Broner has blown away his last 4 opponents but these guys are top 20 at best.

The last world class fighter he faced in Daniel Ponce de Leon he was gifted the decision as many thought de Leon deserved it.

Sharif Bogere, in his last 2 fights beat a couple of Mexicans in Manuel Leyus and Sergio Rivera respectively and with 3 wins in their last 17 between them, shouldn’t be mentioned.

Sergio Thompson is on a 10 fight win streak but I fear would be to small to face Burns either. Thompson would be moving up from super featherweight, although he has a great KO average, Burns defence and tactics would nullify his attacks.

There are other guys who flirt around the division, guys like Brandon Rios and Robert Guerrero, good fighters but I think they are set in the heavier weight classes.

The best fight in the division is Burns v Vasquez. Vasquez with only 3 defeats, twice to Saul Alvarez and once to Tim Bradley would be a great matchup. Both aren’t the biggest punchers but both are strong and skilled and at the top of their game.

Once Vasquez takes care of Marvin Quintero I’d like to see that fight made. Burns has his eyes on becoming the Ring champion and I don’t see any reason why he can’t be.