STICKS, STONES and punches may break his bones, but words will never hurt Ricky Burns.

That was the message from the Scot as he stands just five days away from one of the most – if not they most – landmark and defining fights of the 33-year-old’s long career in boxing.

The man from Coatbridge will go toe-to-toe with Italian Michele di Rocco in the SSE Hydro’s first ever bout this Saturday, attempting to make history as the only Scot to be crowned world champion at three different weights.

It is a golden opportunity many thought two years ago would never fall his way. Following a run of three fights without victory in 2014 – including sustaining a fractured jaw against Raymundo Beltran at the SECC – Burns was forced to take an alternative path as he looked to seek out his future in boxing.

There have been those who thought the long road back to the top of his profession was a journey he would never complete. But now on the run up to the vacant WBA super-lightweight title fight, he is keen to prove to himself – rather than those dismissive voices – that he is back where he belongs.

“I wouldn’t say criticism hurts me, it’s just annoying,” said Burns. “Most of them don’t have a boxing background.

“Everybody is entitled to their opinion but how would they feel if people were turning up at their work and giving them abuse? People see me on TV but they don’t know if you have other things going on in your life so they would be better keeping their opinions to themselves.

“I put enough pressure on myself without worrying about others things.

“I need to go out there and do it for my family and those who believe in me, so I don’t want to put on any more pressure on myself than there already is.”

Wherever Burns’ final destination is has yet to be decided, as is the estimated arrival time. But one thing that is not in question is how arduous the last leg has been, for several reasons.

Injuries, a stable change and bankruptcy are just a few of the obstacles he has had to overcome to get to where he is today.

“I wouldn’t say my outlook or attitude has changed in any way,” said Burns.

“Obviously the last couple of years have been a bit difficult for me with stuff outside of boxing to try to deal with.

“But, given the chance, with the size of fight and having been away from Glasgow for two years, I can’t wait to get back in there.

“When this fight was first announced I was getting a lot of stick with people asking what I’d done to deserve it and a lot said I was finished.

“But the last couple of years there have been a few personal issues I’ve had to deal with and as far as I am concerned this camp couldn’t have gone any better and the fact that this means more than anything to me spurs me on.”