Saturday 10 June 2017 21:24, UK
Ryan Burnett will be hoping for a triumphant homecoming when he challenges IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in Belfast.
The local hero is making the step-up to world title level as he takes on Haskins for the IBF belt at the Odyssey Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
A talented amateur, Burnett is trying to reach the top of the professional ranks in his 17th fight, but the seasoned Haskins will stand in his way.
The Bristol man is an awkward southpaw, with one punch knockout power, and he holds wins over Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall, the latter coming in a gritty decision victory in September.
But Burnett is a highly rated contender, whose career is carefully handled by trainer Adam Booth, and he is determined to become the newest champion in Northern Ireland.
Under Adam Booth, you can see that Burnett has now got patience and he can break fighters when he’s sticking to a game plan.
I think it should be a good fight. Pinning down Haskins is a tough ask, he’s difficult to deal with because he’s a switch hitter.
Ryan is going to have some tough times, because Lee Haskins is an awkward switch-hitter, but I do think his heart can be broken and I see Burnett doing that.
If it’s a close decision, I hope Ryan Burnett gets it, because Haskins doesn’t deserve close decisions any more.
Ryan Burnett: 8st 5lbs 3oz
Lee Haskins: 8st 5lbs 3oz
Watch Ryan Burnett challenge IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in Belfast this Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports 2.
