Beltran preparing for best Burns

Ray Beltran has insisted he is preparing to face the very best Ricky Burns when he meets the Scotsman in Glasgow on September 7. Beltran will head to Scotland to take on Burns in the WBO lightweight champion’s fourth title defence, with the Mexican fighter entering the fight tipped punters who  bet on boxing   as well training as partner Manny Pacquiao, to rip the title away from the Burns.

While Beltran is an extremely tough prospect for the champion, boasting a record of 28 wins and six defeats – all against top-level fighters - a lot of doubt still surrounds Burns following his gruelling victory against Jose Gonzalaz in his last bout. While the 30-year old came away from that fight with the win, the victory came after seven or eight rounds in which the Scotsman has been out-boxed by his opponent.

But despite Burns struggling during much of the fight against Gonzalez in his last bout, Beltran – well backed in the betting - has made it clear he won’t be taking the two-weight world champion lightly when he steps into the ring on September 7 in what will be his first world title fight and first appearance in the UK.

“I saw Burns’ last fight but I am not thinking about that performance. I'm not thinking that Burns is going to be an easy fight. I have to be prepared for a more dangerous Ricky Burns than we saw in that fight, it helps motivate me.”

"I'm ready and motivated for September 7, everything is going well. It means a lot to fight for the world title, it's every boxer's dream. It opens the doors for big fights and I want to fight the best at lightweight,” admitted Beltran.

Massa calm over form

Felipe Massa has refused to accept he is feeling the pressure after another run of poor results left the Brazilian’s future at Ferrari once again being brought in for question.

After a promising start to the season, Massa’s year has again descended into mediocrity following a string of poor results, casting major doubt over whether he will be offered another extension at the end of his current contract when this season finishes. Indeed, punters who bet on f1 are predicting Massa will leave the team at the end of the year.

Since finishing on the podium at the Spanish GP in early May, Massa has scored just 12 points and crashed at least once during the four subsequent race weekends - including race-ending accidents in Monaco and the Nurburgring in Germany.

Massa's was only handed a one-year contract extension last year after a pretty dismal season, but Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo made clear after the last race in Germany that the Brazilian retained their "total confidence" and they were in no rush to reach a decision over his future.

But that hasn’t stopped speculation linking a series of drivers with Massa’s seat in the Ferrari.

"I know what I have to do. I'm just concentrating on good results. I need to improve a little bit my consistency - just finish the race, that's the most important thing, but I’m not feeling any more pressure than usual,” insisted Massa.

"The pace is there so I'm not worried because I showed in most of the races to be honest [on] the pace. Things have happened not to finish the race and we just need to concentrate and try to keep the pace and just finish the race. I know if nothing strange happens I will finish in a good position.”

Despite Ferrari backing their man, the formula 1 betting suggests Massa’s time with the Italian team is coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Sturridge’s Sad End to a Good Season

If you’d asked Daniel Sturridge at the start of the season he’d be firing in goals for Liverpool and starting for England he’d probably have laughed in your face.

What a difference nine months make, as the Reds striker made his first international start on Wednesday night having finished off the season with six goals in five games. Sturridge really has impressed this season and his obvious talents that were going to waste at Chelsea have been depended upon for goals at Anfield.

Alongside Luis Suarez the pair have proven a formidable striking unit for Liverpool and next season, should both stay on Merseyside, football betting fans can expect them to challenge for a top-four place.

What a pity it was, therefore, that the young forward’s season ended in frustration as Sturridge was carried off with an ankle strain just half-an-hour into his full international debut.

It was an innocuous challenge that saw him go down but, after a quick check-up by medical staff on Wednesday night, it was clear he wouldn’t be on the plane to Brazil, a match that could prove taxing for England.

So Sturridge now has the summer off to rest his swollen foot and get ready for the new season ahead. Much will be expected from this sprightly 23-year-old and he has the backing of the Anfield kop to go forward with zealous next term.

Liverpool have already brought in defender Kolo Toure while they’ve agreed a £6m fee for Celta Vigo hitman Iago Aspas, so clearly Brendan Rodgers is looking to move this club up a level. Yet they remain reliant on Sturridge and Suarez to win games each week and this situation won’t change.

It’s a long way away from warming the bench at Chelsea and Sturridge should be proud of his successful transition to a new club this season. Next term will be even tougher, however, and the England forward must be ready to step up.

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