Ricky Burns will make title defence against Kiryl Relikh in Glasgow

Ricky Burns will defend his WBA world super-lightweight title against unbeaten mandatory challenger Kiryl Relikh.

The 26-year-old Belarus fighter has won 19 of 21 fights inside the distance and is trained and promoted by Ricky Hatton.

Burns became Scotland's first three-weight world champion after stopping Michele di Rocco in Glasgow in May.

The Coatbridge fighter, who will return to the Hydro for the title fight on October 7, said: "My face at the end of the fight said everything - that win meant so much to me and proves I still have so much to give.

"I put more pressure on myself in that fight than any other. I took plenty of stick before that as I was apparently finished and on the slide, everyone had written me off and it felt good to prove them wrong.

"Relikh is a very tough fight as a first defence. He's got a high KO ratio so he will be very dangerous throughout. Trust me he has my undivided attention and I will have to be at my best to get through this.

"There are some massive fights out there in the future against some huge names in the 140lbs division - but we're taking it one step at a time."

Relikh forced Joaquim Carneiro to retire after four rounds in Bolton in May and Hatton believes his fighter will emulate him and become a world champion.

"Kiryl is one of those cool, unflinching boxers - nothing fazes him," Hatton said. "This is a big opportunity for him and he's not bothered about being the underdog.

"Kiryl's been training and boxing away from home for years so he'll have no problem going to Scotland for the fight. I think having the crowd against him will bring the best out of him.

"Ricky Burns is a top-class fighter. You don't win three world titles by being anything less than world class, but there always has to be a changing of the guard and I think this could be Kiryl's time."

The undercard will see Scotty Cardle defend his British lightweight title against Kevin Hooper, while Charlie Flynn, Joe Ham and Dillian Whyte will also be in action.