The Uddingston welterweight challenges for his first pro title when he takes on Welshman Gavin Tait for the International Masters belt at Motherwell Concert Hall on Friday, May 16.

But Burns is already preparing himself for life outside of the ring by swapping his boxing gloves for a laptop and a career in journalism.

The 25-year-old – unbeaten in ten fights – has already posted articles on a number of boxing websites and was commissioned to write a series of features on fitness for trade paper Boxing News.

He said: "I've always been interested in journalism and it has been really interesting to report on action from outside of the ring.

"I've given myself a bit of a taste for sports journalism by writing articles for the websites and it was a real honour when Boxing News asked me to write a few features on fitness because it is the trade paper and is read by everyone in the boxing fraternity.

"I know my boxing career won't last forever, so it would be good if I could remain involved in the sport after I retire by becoming a journalist, even if it's only on a part-time basis.

"I've never reported on one of my own fights, but you can be sure if I ever do that my performance will have been absolutely brilliant!"

By day, Burns works as a respiratory physiologist – performing a wide range of diagnostic tests to assess all aspects of lung functions – at a Glasgow hospital.

But despite his fight against Tait being his first ten rounder, he's convinced he won't run out of puff.

Burns said: "I've never boxed ten rounds before, but I've been training hard to ensure I'm in the best shape of my career and I can't wait for fight night.

"Tait's a tough customer and he's got a lot of experience, but this is great stepping stone for me and hopefully if I win then it will set me up for bigger things in the future."

Coatbridge lightweight Martin Watson jointly tops the bill in an International Masters title fight against Englishman Chris Long, whilst undefeated Motherwell light-welterweight Paul 'Charlie' King and Paisley's undefeated light-middleweight Steven Weir also feature.

Co-promoter Carlo Rea said: "Lanarkshire has a fantastic heritage as a breeding ground for boxing talent if you look back to the days of Chic Calderwood, Walter McGowan, Jake Kilrain, and my own grandfather Bert Gilroy, to mention but a few.

"Paul, Martin and the rest of the lads on the bill have a long way to go before they emulate the achievements of these legends, but they certainly all have the talent to make a big impact in the coming years and I hope the public will give them the backing they deserve on May 16."