Former WBC lightweight world champion Omar Figueroa (24-0-1 18KO’s) will be making his return to the ring on May 9th against former WBO lightweight world champion Ricky Burns (37-4-1 11KO’s). This bout will be televised live on CBS at 4pm ET/1pmPT as part of the Premiere Boxing Champions series and will take place at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo Texas.
This fight promises to be an exciting match-up between two former champions that love to fight in a come forward style. This fight will be Figueroa’s 140lb debut, and it will be Burn’s second fight at the weight since moving up from 135lbs. Figueroa is about 5’8 in height and possesses a 73-inch reach. Despite moving up from the lightweight division, I believe the move up to 140lbs will greatly benefit him. Omar is rumored to become as heavy as 170lbs between fights and he will be no longer draining himself in order to make the 135lb limit.
Omar Figueroa brings a brawling style into the ring with him and likes to throw punches in bunches. He is extremely offensive minded and also has good punching power in both hands. However, he has suffered from hand problems in the past, and that is always a concern going into fights. Omar also seems to be vulnerable against slick boxers that move well, but this will certainly not be a concern for him going into this fight since Burns isn’t a mover.
On the other hand, Ricky Burns is a physically strong and rugged fighter from the United Kingdom. His biggest win is arguably against Michael Katsidis back in 2011 for the interim WBO world lightweight title. He fought to a disputed draw against Raymundo Beltran back in 2013. He also lost to Terrence Crawford by UD last year losing his WBO lightweight title in the process. He is a tuff fighter, but he is limited, Ricky is not the most athletic or talented fighter and does not possess good hand speed or punching power. However, he does always bring an exciting style to the ring and is always full of determination. He stands at 5’10 in height and has a 70-inch reach. He will be Figueroa’s biggest opponent to date and on May 9th fight fans will have the chance to enjoy an exciting fight on free television.
