Scottish boxer Ricky Burns could become better than former world boxing featherweight champion Scott Harrison, according to trainer Billy Nelson.
Burns, 27, will challenge undefeated Puerto Rican Roman Martinez for the WBO World super-featherweight crown on 4 September in Glasgow.
“Ricky has got so much talent, it’s unbelievable,” said Nelson.
“Harrison was a fantastic fighter, but from what I have seen of Ricky he can be better.”
Burns, the reigning Commonwealth super featherweight champion, has previously challenged for both the British and European titles, but his world title bid has been dogged by delays.
However, Nelson is confident that Burns’s preparations for his fight against Martinez are going well.
“We’ve just had some sparring in Manchester and Ricky was brilliant,” said Nelson.
“He’s in the best shape of his career and I’m so excited about the Martinez fight.
“Ricky has taken a while to find his stride as a professional, but in the last 18 months he has improved every day in the gym.
“Obviously Harrison was the most successful Scottish boxer of recent years and Ricky will have to go some to match his achievements.
“But I really believe he has what it takes to win this fight against Martinez and then defend his belt against anyone.”
Nelson is also training Commonwealth featherweight champion John Simpson, who defends his title against Stephen Smith as main supporting contest on the show.
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