ALEX MORRISON today revealed his delight at receiving the Scottish Ex-Boxers' Association Boxer of the Year award on behalf of Ricky Burns.

The WBO lightweight champion was unable to accept the award from Scottish fight legends Ken Buchanan and Dick McTaggart at the Iron Horse.

He was down south sparring as he stepped up preparations for his March 1 defence against unbeaten American hot-shot Terence Crawford. But Morrison said: "This an award that Ricky sets great store by as it is awarded by a group of men who have been through what he has for the sake of his boxing.

"Unfortunately, Ricky is in England sparring and he didn't return until later last night, but I was delighted and honoured to accept the award on his behalf.

"The fact Ricky has now won the award for the third time in succession means he keeps it. I can promise you it will now have pride of place on his mantelpiece at home.

Scottish Ex-Boxers' Association secretary Hugh Dickson said: "Year on year Ricky continues to represent Scottish boxing and Scotland as a country with a class, honesty and modesty that you can't beat.

"He showed such tremendous courage against Raymundo Beltran in his last fight and we wish him well against Terence Crawford in his next.

"It is unfortunate Ricky could not make it in person, but he phoned me on Saturday night to pass on his apologies and his thanks and that is a mark of the man.

"We were delighted Big Alex has stood in for him and honoured that Ken Buchanan and Dick McTaggart made the presentation."

Tickets for Burns v Crawford are available on 0141 554 7777. Prices are £200 for ringside plus hospitality package, £100, £60 and £40.