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Preview: Burns, Woodhouse, Simmons fight in Glasgow

Sports Mole previews Matchroom Sport's He Who Dares bill, which takes place in Glasgow on Friday evening.

British lightweight Ricky Burns will be looking to earn a shot at the WBC title in Glasgow on Friday evening when he faces unbeaten Montenegro fighter Dejan Zlaticanin.

Burns, who lost his WBO strap to Terence Crawford in March, headlines Matchroom Sport's He Who Dares bill at the Braehead Arena, which also features the British and Commonwealth light-welterweight clash between Curtis Woodhouse and Willie Limond and the highly-anticipated cruiserweight showdown between Stephen Simmons and Wadi Camacho.

Below, Sports Mole takes a look at each fight, while attempting to predict who will prevail from the respective contests.

1. Ricky Burns vs. Dejan Zlaticanin

Despite a couple of average showings in his previous fights, Ricky Burns insisted that he was ready for the challenge of talented American Terence Crawford ahead of his WBO title defence earlier this year.

However, while the likeable Scot lasted the 12 rounds with the unbeaten fighter, he was ultimately outclassed and dethroned from the top of the 135lbs division, but the setback hasn't dampened the enthusiasm of the 31-year-old.

Ricky Burns celebrates his victory over Jose Gonzalez during their World WBO Lightweight Championship bout on May 11, 2013© Getty Images

Burns has opted to alter his pre-fight preparations by changing to trainer Tony Simms, and while it is hard to imagine that the 40-fight veteran will change stylistically, his mindset could be different from his previous outings.

Standing in the way of Burns is Montenegro southpaw Dejan Zlaticanin, who travels to these shores for the first time after building up a record of 18 successive victories, 13 of which have come by stoppage.

On paper, the 30-year-old looks to have the talent to cause problems for Burns, but fighting in front of a Glasgow crowd will be a new experience for Zlaticanin, and with a shot at the WBC title on the line, Burns should record a points win.

2. Curtis Woodhouse vs. Willie Limond

Footballer-turned-boxer Curtis Woodhouse insisted that he would retire from his second professional spot if he was successful in winning the British title, but after defeating Darren Hamilton, there is a new determination about the Yorkshireman who wants to see how far he can progress.

His hopes of achieving a recognised belt seemed over when he was brutally floored by Derry Mathews nine months ago, but the victory over Hamilton has promoted Woodhouse to the top of the 140lbs rankings in the United Kingdom.

Opponent Willie Limond, who holds the Commonwealth belt, has also suffered career-damaging defeats during his 41 fights as a professional but the Scot has shown in the past that he is a formidable force at domestic level.

This encounter is finely poised, and both men are on level terms when it comes to desire to progress to bigger and better things after this tussle. A close decision is expected either way, but Limond could sneak it on the judges' scorecards.

Curtis Woodhouse in action at York Hall on October 23, 2010© Getty Images

3. Stephen Simmons vs. Wadi Camacho

The two headline fights may be more important in terms of belts and prestige, but the showdown between Stephen Simmons and Wadi Camacho has the potential to steal the show on Friday night.

The rivalry between the two has only heightened since their first scheduled match was cancelled earlier this year, but with pride as well as the WBC international silver belt on the line, an explosive war looks on the cards.

Simmons has been out of the ring since September where he overcame his biggest test to date by beating David Graf on a unanimous points decision, but after just nine professional fights, the Scot is still a novice in the paid ranks.

Camacho has more experience than his opponent having competed in 14 professional contests, but the London-based competitor has fallen to two defeats, including a loss against Tony Conquest for the Commonwealth strap last winter.

The clash between the two cruiserweights is a close one to call, but with animosity stretching over a number of months, it's unlikely that this fight will reach the final bell.

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Darren Plant
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Curtis Woodhouse of Driffield in action at York Hall on October 23, 2010
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