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Josh King confident of upsetting former world champion Ricky Burns

Ricky Burns
Image: Ricky Burns is in for a tough night, says Josh King

Josh King believes he has the style to upset former world champion Ricky Burns in Liverpool on Saturday - live on Sky Sports.

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The Australian lightweight (20-3-KO9) will head for the Echo Arena as the underdog but is adamant he will put a significant dent in Burns' (38-5-1-KO12) of regaining a world title.

"I think my style of fighting will give Ricky loads of problems," said King. "It will also win over the crowd and his promoter, Eddie Hearn. 

"I've been watching Ricky Burns for the past few years and hoping for this night to come. We've got a great plan to beat the ex-world champion. My mind set is too strong. I'm feeling very confident of getting a new WBO strap. 

Ricky Burns (Lawrence Lustig)
Image: Burns (L) was last in action in July, stopping Prince Ofotsu

"In the new ratings I am ranked at No 8 with the WBO and when I win this I'm looking forward to coming back to the UK to beat Terry Flanagan. I'm ready to fight any lightweight champion anywhere, anytime.

"When this opportunity came up I jumped at it. This is exactly what I wanted. I can't wait to get it on with this guy and get a win over a two-division world champion.

"A victory will give me the opportunity to fight for the world title but I know Ricky has pedigree and it's not going to be easy. Ricky has done some great things in the ring.

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Image: Burns was a world champion at super-featherweight and lightweight

"I've done a lot of things differently for this fight. I've changed trainers and gone to an experienced Steve Deller. I'm training in Townsville North Queensland at the Bad Boys gym.

"I'm more than ready to win. I see it going the distance. I've got to get in and out-work him; show some angles and move on him."

The fight is part of a packed card headlined by Callum Smith v Rocky Fielding for the vacant British super-middleweight title.