Five opponents for Ricky Burns

Ricky Burns stunned Kevin Mitchell on Saturday night by completely out-muscling the Dagenham man inside four rounds to remain WBO lightweight champion. That win has led calls for an unification clash with Antonio DeMarco or Miguel Vazquez, but that won't be happening this year and is more likely going to happen in March or April. After the fight Frank Warren said that Burns is likely to be out in December and here are five potential opponents for that date.

1. Scott Harrison

An all Scottish fight with Harrison is likely for Burns

I don't think Harrison deserves a shot at the title, but this is modern Boxing and with both guys signed up to Frank Warren's promotional company, this would be an easy one to make, but would also make a huge amount of money for Warren. These are Scotland's two best boxers in the last 10-15 years, Harrison was a great featherweight, but in his two fights back, he's fought a very low level of opponent. Saturday night Harrison got a six round points decision over Joe Elfidh, and other than the first round, he showed that he was a long way off a world title fight. This is the fight that would least surprise me, even though I'm totally against it, Harrison should be nowhere near a world title fight when there's so much quality domestically and world wide at 135lbs. Personally I would like to see Harrison fight Mitchell on the undercard of Burns' next title fight.

2. John Murray

Murray's on the comeback trail

Another fight that would be pretty easy to make because of the promotional deals. Murray has been out of the ring since a brave challenge for Brandon Rios' world title in December 2011 over in New York, where he was stopped in eleven rounds. Before that Murray had lost to Kevin Mitchell in what was an amazing fight, but one he hadn't trained properly for, and he showed that he's very dangerous if he's taken his preparation seriously. Murray is back in full training at Joe Gallagher's gym, him v Burns would be a serious contender for FOTY.

3. Sharif Bogere

Bogere would be an interesting choice

Ugandan based in Las Vegas holds a high ranking with the WBO as he's the current WBO NABO champion, and is certainly a live contender at 135 as he's ranked #14 in the world by boxrec and undefeated in 23 pro fights. Is promoted by Golden Boy in the States, and they have a good relationship with Frank Warren, which certainly makes it a contest with not so many political brick walls in front of it. Bogere however is being linked for a November title fight with Richard Abril, although it's doubtful if that will go ahead, Eddie Hearn was expecting Gavin Rees to challenge for that WBA title.

4. Raymundo Beltran

Beltran has never challenged for a world title

26-6 31 year old Mexican is having a resurgence in his career, this after the biggest win of his career against then top 10 ranked Hank Lundy in July, claiming a majority decision over 10 rounds. Has lost two of his last four fights against US based prospects Bogere and Luis Ramos Jr, but the victory over Lundy has brought him into the title picture. On form this defence would hold little risks for Burns, Beltran's tough, but you would expect Burns to be far too good technically.

5. Miguel Acosta

Acosta (left) has a fan friendly style

I'm not expecting a huge name for this defence for Burns, Acosta fits the type of name who could get a title shot. The Venezuelan is a former WBA champion, but is on the slide having lost three of his last four fights. The first of those was when Brandon Rios took his title off him, and since then both Richard Abril and unbeaten Armenian Art Hovhannisyan have beaten the 34 year old, although his last fight with Art was a split decision and he did put him down. Again an opponent you'd expect Burns to beat cosily, but ranked 22nd in the world by Boxrec.

There's no doubt Frank Warren has many options for Burns, hopefully Burns v the winner of DeMarco v Broner will take place next year, but judged on these five potential opponents, there's definitely some nice appetisers out there ahead of the tasty looking main course!