The unbeaten 27-year old had a disappointing 2015, which culminated in him having to withdraw from a fight with Southampton’s Tony Hill after suffering a last minute injury.
Burton (14-0, 5KO) is now hoping to put the minor setback behind him and has been given an immediate chance to win a title on February 27.
“Last year was very disappointing for me and I was gutted when I had to pull out of the Hill fight. Everything went brilliant, I had a great camp – but then got an injury with just a week to go,” Burton exclusively told World Boxing News.
“I want to really progress now this year. I can confirm that I will be challenging for a title in my next fight and I’m excited to do so on such a big stage. It is likely that it will be either the English title or an international one.
“If it is for the English title, it might be Matty Clarkson who is a tough, game kid and has only lost once. Whoever I get really, I will be happy and as long as I get the title fight and people recognise that title – I’m not bothered. We still have seven weeks left until fight night, but I’m sure it will be announced soon,” he added.
Burton – who turned professional back in March of 2012 – has only been passed six rounds on one occasion since turning professional, but wants to now go the full twelve rounds and fight as often as possible.
“I want to fight as many times as possible this year. I’m 27-years old fully mature, strong and ready to win titles at any level. I’m sparring top class kids in the gym all the time and I should be fighting for titles already. I believe I am one of the best light heavyweights in the world, never mind just being number four in the UK.
“There is no point me fighting four, six or eight rounders, because I get better as the rounds go on – I seem to work my opponents out and then go to work. I’m tough, durable, I hit hard and I’m awkward, but I need longer fights to show the best of me. I haven’t shown my true potential yet. I can’t be held back any more, it’s time to let me loose – sink or swim as they say,” Burton added.
‘The Hammer’ had a final word on trainer Joe Gallagher, who recently won The Ring Magazine’s Trainer of the Year award.
“Joe is a world class trainer and I’ve been with him since I was twelve. When I turned professional, I had no doubt that he was the perfect coach for me. I’m over the moon that he likes me and it’s brilliant to train at his gym with a great bunch of lads. For him to be getting the recognition he is getting – he deserves nothing less. He’s the man, tactician wise, fitness wise – he is brilliant all round.”
Matt Horan is a lead writer for WBN. Follow on Twitter @mhoran123
