Burnett vs Zhakiyanov: Ricky Hatton says that Ryan Burnett is in big trouble against Zhanat Zhakiyanov
Tuesday 17 October 2017 14:12, UK
Ricky Hatton plans to ruin old charge Ryan Burnett's unification dream by masterminding the perfect game plan for Zhanat Zhakiyanov.
Kazakhstan's Zhakiyanov, 'ZZ', puts his WBA 'Super' title on the line against IBF champion Burnett at Belfast's SSE Arena this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
For Hatton, the fight brings a sense of mixed emotions as he goes up against the man he introduced to the paid ranks.
Burnett left 'Hitman' after just four fights together, joining up with Adam Booth, and despite the split, the Manchester favourite is adamant that there are no hard feelings and admits that he was proud to see the Northern Irish star claim the IBF crown.
Zhakiyanov's got an extra bit of ambition and determination for this one as there's always been that rivalry. Burnett is in a heap load of trouble once that bell goes.
"I knew 100 per cent that Ryan had the ability to go all the way when I was training him," said Hatton.
"I was having a lot of problems at the time, I wasn't in a good place at all, and Ryan felt the training was better elsewhere.
"I wasn't the trainer I am today. I understand why he left. There are no hard feelings. The Ricky Hatton of today is in a miles better place than the Ricky Hatton back then.
"I text him before his world title fight with Haskins to say good luck and text him straight after to say congratulations. I think the world of Ryan and his family. He's a great lad and a wonderful talent but I don't think he's going to beat us on the night."
Zhakiyanov, with just one blemish on his record, went on the road to defeat Rau'shee Warren last time out, climbing off the canvas twice to eventually claim the WBA 'Super' belt.
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Hatton is confident that the Warren fight has put 'ZZ' in great stead and admits that with the two champions having previously sparred together, there has always been a rivalry between them.
"Ryan's done everything asked of him so far but he's going to have to show more than his talent in this one. If he doesn't nail Zhanat to the canvas in the first few rounds he's in for a very tough night," Hatton continued.
"They've sparred together and Ryan probably just edged the sessions with those big gloves and head guard but times and circumstances change. Now he's in for a heap load of trouble once that bell goes."
"Zhanat was never going to beat Warren on just boxing ability alone, he was going to beat him with a lot of heart and will to win the World Title.
"We had a good game plan overall but he made fundamental mistakes in the first round. I told him not to stand off Warren because he'll ping you and what happened - he stood off and ended up on his arse. He can't start the same against Ryan with all his skill.
"He's learnt lessons from it and come away with a world title. He went to Ohio in Warren's backyard to take his belt and this time he goes into Ryan's backyard so it's nothing new to him and the experience will help.
"He's never looked better to be honest with you. I know you hear trainers say that a lot, but he has never looked this good. He couldn't be any sharper.
"He's got an extra bit of ambition and determination for this one. There's always been that bit of rivalry between the two. The fact he used to share a gym with Ryan and spar with him at the same weight."
Watch Ryan Burnett's unification clash with Zhanat Zhakiyanov, along with Paul Hyland Jr against Stephen Ormond, James Tennyson versus Darren Traynor, with Josh Kelly and Anthony Fowler also on the Belfast bill from 7.30pm this Saturday on Sky Sports Main Event.
