Monday 19 September 2016 16:24, UK
Ricky Hatton has warned WBA world super-lightweight champion Ricky Burns that maiden challenger Kiryl Relikh has "a nasty streak".
The 33-year-old Burns (40-5-1-KO14) became a three-weight world champion in May when he stopped Michele di Rocco for the vacant title and now takes on mandatory challenger Relikh (21-0-KO19) in Glasgow on October 7.
Relikh fights under Hatton's guidance and while the former darling of British boxing accepts Burns deserves great respect for his achievements, warns that the challenger poses a very serious threat.
Hatton told a press conference: "What Ricky has done in and out of the ring, I can't speak any higher of his achievements.
"This is youth versus experience. Kiryl hasn't boxed at Ricky's level but he's definitely ready. He's a big puncher with a nasty streak. He has flattened everyone he's been in with and trains so hard that he can do 12 rounds with a world-class fighter like Ricky.
"Kiryl is the real deal and I wouldn't work with someone I didn't think could go all the way. Ricky has the rounds under his belt but Kiryl won't gas."
Relikh himself added: "Working with Ricky Hatton is amazing for me. We don't speak the same language but we communicate through boxing.
"Ricky Burns will see what I can do during the fight. I can fight on the front foot or the back foot - whatever he's got, I can answer. Ricky is more experienced but I have a good amateur pedigree behind me and I'll prove that it's the right time for me."
Relikh hasn't been taken the distance since an eight-rounder in 2012.
Watch Burns v Relikh on October 7, live on Sky Sports