The pair posed in front of a Spitfire and a Hurricane at the RAF Museum at Hendon where promoter Frank Warren launched his sales pitch ahead of Burns' second title defence on September 22 which has been dubbed "The Battle of Britain".

Warren set the ball rolling by announcing that the eagerly anticipated bout will take place at the SECC in Glasgow, adding that he has also applied to have the capacity at the venue increased to 10,000 for what he anticipates will be a sell-out.

If successful in his attempt to squeeze an additional 2000 fans into the arena, Warren will increase the magnitude of Mitchell's task, given that the Englishman from Dagenham will have to contend with increased levels of hostility.

But Mitchell, 27, appeared not to be in the least put out by the prospect, insisting: "I am not worried about going to Glasgow. Having the crowd against me will spur me on like it did when I fought John Murray in Liverpool, because I perform better away from home."

Despite the military setting, the rivals could not be persuaded to adopt an aggressive stand. Indeed, they resisted the temptation to utter a single uncomplimentary word.

"I have known Ricky since our amateur days and he's a lovely fellow and a credit to boxing," said Mitchell. "I have always watched and admired him and I know his qualities and what I have to do to beat him."

Burns, from Coatbridge, commented: "I sparred with Kevin before the Murray fight, so I know what he's all about. He's tough and he will give me the hardest fight of my life."

Warren added: "Believe me when I say we could be looking at the fight of the year."