RICKY BURNS' comeback plans have been disrupted just three days before the former two-weight world champion is due to make his return to the ring.

The 32-year-old Scot had been lined up to face Argentinian Leonardo Esteban Gonzalez on Saturday in Leeds over 10 rounds in his first outing at light-welterweight.

But Burns' camp felt Gonzalez was too light to take on Burns at the new weight. So they have drafted in Frenchman Alexandre Lepelley who boasts a record of 17 wins, including three victories by stoppage, with one loss and one draw.

Burrns manager Alex Morrison was sanguine about the upset to his fighter's plans. He said: "Gonzalez was more of a lightweight and we wanted more of a test at light-welterweight and Lepelley comes with the superior record and will provide that.

"Lepelley has only lost once and that came back in 2008 and he has been very active in compiling a strong winning record since then.

"Lepelley has fought all over Europe and he won't be worried about coming to Leeds. We are talking about an experienced pro here who will provide Ricky with the type of test he needs to start his campaign at 140lbs off."

Burns is looking to re-launch his career after the disastrous June defeat at the hands of the unheralded Montenegrin Dejan Zlaticanin which ended his tenure as world lightweight champion.

Lepelley is ranked eight in the European rankings and a victory over the Frenchman could propel Burns into touching distance of a challenge for the European light-welterweight belt.

But Morrison knows Lepelley will view Burns as the type of scalp that could propel him into a an arena that had previously seemed out of his reach.

"This is a huge opportunity for Lepelley. Ricky would be the biggest name on Lepelley's record. But Ricky is determined to get things at light-welterweight off to a winning start."