EDDIE HEARN believes that Ricky Burns has got his mojo back.

The former two-weight world champion will return to the square ring on Friday night at the Braehead Arena to face unbeaten Montenegrin Dejan Zlaticanin in a bust-up Burns cannot afford to lose.

The meeting with the southpaw Zlaticanin is a final eliminator for a shot at the WBC lightweight title and a chance for Burns to prove those who reckoned his best days are behind him are wide of the mark.

And Hearn reckons Burns is back to his best after the Scot's failure to fire on all cylinders in his last three fights, which culminated in his loss of the WBO lightweight title to Terence Crawford at the SECC in March.

Hearn said: "Ricky knows full well that if he does not prevail against Zlaticanin that all his dreams will be pretty much over when it comes to getting back to boxing for a world title.

"But from what I have seen of him since he has been working with Tony Sims down in Essex he very much has his mojo back.

"I think his movement is sharper, his footwork more precise and lighter, and his combinations are faster and have more sting.

"He knows how much is on the line for him and the way he has trained, for a 31-year-old, former two-weight world champion, would put young kids to shame.

"His hunger and his dedication in this camp have done him proud and I have no doubt that he has benefited hugely from hooking up with Tony Sims.

"Ricky knows that he must get back to his best on Friday night and that he needs to produce a performance that will send a message out. But although he knows he is under pressure, he is relishing it."

When it came to Zlaticanin, Hearn admitted that the big-hooking Montenegrin will prove to be dangerous.

The Matchroom fight chief said: "Zlaticanin is coming to Glasgow with no pressure on him whatsoever.

"He has nothing to lose and everything to gain, so he is coming here to make a name for himself.

"But we wanted Ricky in with a real live opponent and we have that. When you are boxing for the opportunity to fight for the WBC lightweight title you can't expect anything other than a real challenge."

When it comes to the double domestic belt bout between Willie Limond and Curtis Woodhouse, which is the chief support to Burns versus Zlaticanin, Hearn reckons a war is on the cards.

He said: "What a fight this one is and between two boxers who both just love to fight.

"They say that styles make fights and, in Curtis Woodhouse, we have the British champion and one who does not know how to take a step back.

"Then, with Willie Limond, we have his Commonwealth title on the line and a boxer who has been in with the very best.

"But you can see how much both boxers respect each other, they are two great pros and it is just too hard to pick a winner there.

"They also have the added incentive that whoever wins adds the other's title to his own and will earn a crack at the European crown in September.

"When you take all of that into account you can see why I think this one may steal the show."

Tickets priced £40, £60, £100 and £200 ringside are still available for Friday night on 0141- 554 7777.