Tuesday night mismatch?

Morrison will make her pro debut against Kalispell's super-middleweight champ Burton

After winning the super-middleweight WIBA Intercontinental title in November, pro boxer Shelley Burton considered calling it a career. But the lure of competition and greater heights has brought her back to the ring.

Burton, 7-2 (1 knockout), will fight Billings' D.J. Morrison on Tuesday night at the Majestic Valley Arena in a light-middleweight professional match.

This is Kalispell's first women's professional boxing match, and the opportunity for Burton to fight in front of her hometown crowd is something she has longed for.

"I'm so excited to let Kalispell see this," Burton said. "I'm excited to see the crowd there - I like their support. I'll do the best I can and try to give them a knockout."

Burton has never been cocky before a fight, but Morrison may be in for a rough night. Tuesday's fight will be Burton's 10th pro fight, seven of which she has won. Morrison is making her pro debut.

Burton has the upper hand, and she'll swing with it - hard.

Morrison has amassed a 20-4 club boxing record, and has won her last 12 fights. But she faces the same battle Burton did when she turned pro - boxing at this level is a much different experience.

Club boxers use headgear, 16 ounce gloves and even body pads. Professional bouts use no protective gear, and the boxers' hands are covered with just 10 ounces of glove.

"They say she's been training for a long time," Burton said. "But she's got to be crazy to want to fight me. She doesn't have a lot of technique, but she's been wanting to go pro for a long time."

Burton's original opponent was supposed to be Dakota Stone, but Stone pulled out of the fight with an injured groin. Last-minute switches are nothing new for Burton. She has an unprecedented run of bad luck when it comes to her opponents backing out of fights.

But Morrison took Stone's spot and the fight is on.

Burton's last bout in November left her with bruises, cuts and blurred vision. In spite of the short time span, she said she is ready to fight.

"I'm in great shape," she said. "I didn't lose it from the last fight. I kept in shape."

Her training has changed somewhat over that last couple of months. Her cardio work is done mainly on the heavy bag. She has quit running because of her bad knees. Luckily, the Kalispell Athletic Club has sponsored her with a year's membership. Burton can now do cardio in the pool and save on wear and tear.

Burton has been sparring with other local boxers to get used to being smacked around. She has also sparred with her trainer, Heather Blush, in the Jaycees' gym. She usually trains two to three hours a night.

Women's boxing isn't known for giant purses, but this fight may lead to a bigger prize for Burton. Depending on the outcome of the fight and the turnout, she may be able to set up a title fight in Kalispell in late March.

Burton said she would love to have local fans see her in a more challenging fight down the line to really give them a show.

"I don't want to underestimate my opponent," Burton said of Morrison. "Anything can happen, but I feel pretty confident about this one."

After this fight and the possible title fight next month, Burton may have the opportunity to compete for a world title if her desire stays intact.

"I was pretty sure I was going to be done after my last fight," she said. "I'm not satisfied with my performance yet. I don't know why. There's just something else I'm seeking in the sport. I'll know when I'm done."

The official weigh-in will take place at the Kalispell Athletic Club on Monday at 4 p.m.

Doors open at the arena at 6 p.m. Before the Burton/Morrison bout, club boxing will feature six matches. Fighting begins at 7:30 p.m.

After the fight, Sawbucks is hosting an open-to-the-public after-party to celebrate Burton's fight.