Matchroom Sports have today confirmed the signing of WBO World Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns at a press conference in London.

Burns had grown frustrated with previous promoter Frank Warren after seeing three fights, one being an unification showndown with IBF champion Miguel Vazquez, being called off.

According to Eddie Hearn the case of Burns leaving Frank Warren is a carbon copy case to that what Tony Bellew had with Warren, which only last week was dropped by Warren.

Warren who lost George Groves to Eddie Hearn's stable last week as the pair parted on mutually agreeable terms, insists Burns remains contracted to fulfil his fight duties at Wembley Arena next month.

But Matchroom say Burns' next contest - and his first under their banner - will be a title defence against an as-yet unnamed opponent in his native Scotland on 11th May.

Hearn said: "I'm delighted to welcome Ricky Burns to the team. Ricky is an outstanding fighter and a hugely popular sporting figure in Scotland.

"We are looking forward to a massive show on May 11 in Scotland as we begin our journey with Ricky."

Whether Warren takes a familiar route and takes the Scotsman into court for a breach of contract remains to be seen however Burns, as has been publically admitted by Mr Warren, has received his purse money for fights over the past few months late and sources close to Burns state that he has yet to be paid for his last fight in September against Kevin Mitchell.

Speaking at the press conference Burns stated, "I'm delighted that my future has been resolved and I'm really looking forward to the next chapter in my career.

Its been a frustrating time since the Kevin Mitchell win but now I'm just focused on May 11th and putting in a great performance.

I would love it to be in Glasgow - my last two fights were there and the atmosphere was just electric.  I've got great fans in Scotland and it means a lot to box in front of them."

EDIT BY AUTHOR:

Frank Warren this afternoon issued the following statement via Boxing News

"Since being promoted and managed by Frank Warren, Ricky Burns has earned just approaching 3/4 of a million pounds and has had 7 world title fights in just over two years.

Ricky Burns is under binding promotional and management contracts.

Following the announcement by Eddie Hearn that Ricky Burns has signed with him, W. Promotions Limited and Frank Warren are suing Burns for substantial damages"

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