British champion Lee Haskins is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with arch-rival Don Broadhurst.

Commonwealth boss Broadhurst was at ringside at the Seaham Centre in Sunderland when the Bristolian made a successful first defence of his British super flyweight title eight days ago.

Although Haskins blew away challenger Ross Burkinshaw in four rounds to win in style, Birmingham-based Broadhurst was unimpressed.

"It was more a bad performance from Burkinshaw," stormed Broadhurst, who is unbeaten in 11 professional outings since signing for Frank Warren.

"He didn't use his physical attributes. It was more like a spar.

"I'll smash Lee Haskins. I'll take it to him, out-box him and push him back. As an amateur I boxed many counter-punchers who were a million times better than him."

If his intention was to rattle Haskins and provoke a response from the Lockleaze man, it failed miserably.

In confident mood following his third straight victory in 16 months, Haskins said: "I have nothing to prove and I'm not going to get into a war of words with him.

"My record speaks for itself and I've never ducked anyone in my life. I'm keeping my title on ice for Broadhurst, but then he's keeping his on ice for me."

Bristol promoter Jamie Sanigar spoke for Haskins when he declared: "Words are cheap. Broadhurst was offered his chance to box Lee for the British title earlier this year, but Frank Warren withdrew him from the purse bids without giving a reason.

"Broadhurst is the mandatory challenger for the British title and we're ready to accommodate him anytime."

That fight may well have to wait until next year, given that Haskins has been installed as No 2 in the European Boxing Union super flyweight rankings.

Frenchman Christophe Rodrigues meets Italian Andrea Sarritzu to contest the vacant title on September 17 and Haskins is in line to box the winner, possibly before Christmas.

"That is the title I really want," said Haskins, who boasts 19 wins in 21 paid outings. "I've been Commonwealth champion before and the European belt is something different.

"I have to think of the next payday and the EBU title is definitely a step up. It's more likely to open the way for a World title fight in the future."