IAIN BUTCHER believes he can be Scottish boxing's new star after Ricky Burns' career took a severe blow last Friday after he lost his WBC lightweight title eliminator against Dejan Zlaticanin of Montenegro.
Butcher, the Motherwell flyweight, has split with local promoter Paul Graham to sign a management deal with MGM Marbella, where he began training this year. This has left him a free agent in promotional terms and British boxing's two powerhouses Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are both looking to snap up one of the country's brightest young talents.
The 22-year old is rated ninth in the world by the WBO, top five in Europe and the Commonwealth and is mandatory challenger for the British title. Butcher said: "I never fell out with Paul, I just spoke to him and we came to an agreement where he released my contract. I'd recommend him to any boxer: he gets you busy and got me into this position.
"It's just been getting to me that I've not been on these big shows. Paul couldn't get me on TV and, looking at last Friday, I could have been chief support alongside Stevie Simmons and Willie Limond. If I'd been on the last few Burns undercards I believe I would be headlining these shows now.
"It doesn't have to be Sky but I should be on TV. I'm in a better position than any other Scottish prospect so I don't see why I should be selling out shows on my own back and not getting much money.
"I've briefly spoken with Francis Warren [Frank's son] and Hearn who are both interested. We're waiting on offers although there is the option of staying a free agent and boxing on any show. When the deals come in, I'll see what's best for me. It's not all about money, it's about getting the right fights at the right times and who I can put my trust in."
While Hearn and Sky frequently hold shows in Scotland - although that has been cast in some doubt after Friday - Warren does not, so signing with him would likely mean fighting in England.
Butcher said: "I'm not fussed about where I box. A home crowd is nice but when I was an amateur I boxed all round the world and I've got good fans who are willing to travel."
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