Theophane: I want Burns' title!

When London's Ashley Theophane was signed to Floyd Mayweather's stable eye brows were raised in the UK as to how a British Champion would appeal to the self confessed 'The Best Ever'.

Over four years have passed and Theophane is still a prominent member of The Money team and is ready to launch his second attempt at becoming world champion.

Arguably, Theophane's career hasn't taken off in quite the way the way he may have expected, but how would he sum up his time under the guidance of the former 5 weight world champion?

Theophane who moved to America long before linking up with Mayweather is frank about his experience so far.

'Every boxer has frustrating times. Patience as Floyd says is important. I won a British title eliminator in 2007 and then didn't fight the champion for four more years.

My career, my grind has been hard from the start. Everything I've achieved is against the odds.

I made my move to America in 2005. The only reason I came back was for the honor to fight Lenny Daws for the British championship. He was a great fighter. Amateur and professional. He doesn't get the respect he deserves just like I don't.

Making the move to Las Vegas. What can I say? Floyd Mayweather changed my life!

Floyd showed me love when the U.K. promoters turned their back on me. Helped me make some money.

My first fight with him was for six figures. That was a big deal for me. Floyd bought me a car to help me get around Las Vegas. I fought on three of his cards. I saw his training camp over the last five years going back to Miguel Cotto. I've had some great times with Floyd and made some friends for life in Las Vegas. Even when I'm not part of Mayweather promotions. I'll forever be part of the Money Team and Floyd is a friend as well as my promoter now.'

Theophane recently took to social media to chase a fight with current WBA Super-Lightweight champion Ricky Burns, in a 'Battle of Britain' style fight. But why Burns?

'I'm a professional boxer. I want to fight the best and make money. I fought the biggest name in my division, Adrien Broner. I didn't get the result I wanted (Theophane was stopped in the 9th round).'

Theophane's views on Burns as a champion are as clear as his desire to make the fight.

'Burns only won the belt because of me (Broner was stripped of his title after failing to make weight in the fight with Theophane). The WBA was vacant and he fought a terrible opponent to win it.

Battle of Britain. Scotland vs England. I was once his sparring partner when he fought Kevin Mitchell. Ricky and I would be a great fight.'

A fight between Ricky Burns and his predecessor Broner has long been spoken of by the Burns camp. Theophane doesn't believe that fight would happen, but he is also has very clear demands should he get to the negotiating table himself.

'Ricky has mentioned Broner a few times but I know he doesn't want that fight. He's been ducking him since they were both super featherweights.

Money always talks. As long as the money is similar to what I made with Broner it's (Burns v Theophane)possible.

I'd prefer the fight in Las Vegas. My second choice is London but Ricky hates to leave Glasgow. He's won a few questionable decisions there. So obviously if I'm fighting him in his hometown I want to be compensated. It's as simple as that.'

The instant reaction to Theophane's tweet stating his wish to fight Burns was met with initial derision, particularly from British fight fans. Many stating that Theophane hasn't actually earned a shot at a world title, something he is quick to dismiss.

'Did Burns earn a shot at the WBA? No.

I fought Broner less than a year ago. If I'm good enough for a four weight champion. I'm good enough for Ricky.

Fans diss Floyd Mayweather all the time. Does it bother him? As he says "Not at all."

Fans are always moaning but they'll still watch the fight. You can't please everyone. If you try to please people you'll never achieve anything in life. If I listened to those people on Twitter I wouldn't have achieved anything in life and I'd be broke just like them. I surround myself with positive people.

Tony Bellew was a big underdog. He beat David. He won a world title at his 3rd attempt. George Groves has his 4th attempt soon. Martin Murray had 4 attempts and these pessimistic people are moaning about me fighting for my second opportunity? I don't worry about them. They can keep trolling on the internet while I'm enjoying my life. Jetting around the world trying to achieve my goals."

With Ricky Burns taking on Julius Indongo next in a unification match in Glasgow on 15th April, Theophane will be watching closely in the hope he can take on whoever is victorious. How does he see that fight panning out?

'Great fight. Good job by Eddie (Hearn). He did a great job for Ricky as a promoter. I've only seen the world title win in Russia. Ricky has a good chin. Tough as nails. Never been stopped.

I go with Ricky as it will probably be a hard fought fight so the judges will give it to him. If Indongo wins it will be easy to get him to Las Vegas.

I would love to fight the winner. I'm not bothered who wins. Ricky wins we can do a "Battle of Britain." If Indongo wins, let's battle in Las Vegas.

Whether or not you agree that Theophane deserves a shot at a world title, one thing you can't argue with is his confidence in his ability to achieve it. When you're back by Mayweather and The Money Team, it's no wonder.