Burnett vs Zhakiyanov: The panel of experts make their predictions ahead of unification clash

IBF champion Ryan Burnett targets another world title as he takes on Zhanat Zhakiyanov in a unification clash and The Panel have made their predictions.

The Northern Irishman makes the first defence of his IBF belt against WBA 'super' title holder Zhakiyanov at The SSE Arena in Belfast this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

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Will the hometown hero confirm his status as one of the world's top bantamweights, or can Zhakiyanov pull off another upset on foreign shores after his February title win over Rau'shee Warren in America?

Our panel of experts have made their pre-fight predictions...

Johnny Nelson

I think it's going to be tough for Burnett, but he surprised me when he boxed (Lee) Haskins. He showed maturity, together with that speed and pace. I think that's going to be the same thing that works for him here. He'll make sure his youth and pace works for him.

I do expect a response from Zhakiyanov, but I think Burnett's pace will take that late assault away from him.

It will be a bit of a chess match at first for Burnett, just to figure out Zhakiyanov, and then I can see him taking over from about round four onwards.

I do expect a response from Zhakiyanov, but I think Burnett's pace will take that late assault away from him. I expect a convincing points win for Burnett.

Carl Frampton

Could be a fight of two halves. Zhanat is slow and predictable in the early parts of a fight, but he's got so much determination and with that, if the fight goes into the second half, it's going to be very difficult.

Burnett hasn't fought anyone like that, but Zhanat has fought someone like Ryan Burnett in Rau'shee Warren.

It's going to be a similar fight to Zhanat against Rau'shee Warren. He's going to be piling on the pressure in the last few rounds. Rau'shee Warren is a world-class fighter and Zhanat went away from home and beat him, and took the title off him. It was a great win. I think that is the best win that both lads have had, either Zhanat or Burnett.

Burnett hasn't fought anyone like that, but Zhanat has fought someone like Burnett in Rau'shee Warren. A difficult fight, but I still fancy Ryan. I think it's going to be a complete fight of two halves. I edge towards Ryan on points, a tight points decision as well.

Tony Bellew

I like what we've seen from Burnett. He is slick, smooth and stronger than people think, so I can only seeing him unifying those two titles.

Zhanat Zhakiyanov is a typical Eastern European fighter if you like, and he is rough and tough, but I just think Burnett will have too much of everything. If he stops him, I will be very, very surprised, so points.

Josh Kelly

Ryan Burnett wins. I couldn’t call whether points or stoppage. ‘ZZ’ has been down before and he will feel it, but he’s tough.

Jamie Moore

It's a good clash of styles. A lot of fighters when they win their first title it spurs them on and improves them, makes them more confident and better all-round. In Burnett you will see that.

Coming through the Lee Haskins fight with that cut on his head will stand him in good stead for this type of fight.

'ZZ' is a flat-footed come-forward pressure fighter - what you see is what you get - but he is tough, durable, strong and a big puncher. Ryan will box on the outside for the first half of the fight, then Zhanat will raise the tempo, turn it into a dogfight.

Experience will have to come into play for Ryan. Coming through the Lee Haskins fight with that cut on his head will stand him in good stead for this type of fight. Burnett will win on points in a close fight that could go either way.

David Coldwell

Absolutely fantastic fight, one where two styles are going to mesh. Zhakiyanov will want to get on top of Ryan and bully him, throw punches in bunches and out strength him. The key is that Ryan has a very good, heavy jab and is very good with his feints and twitches.

Each round will be close and hard to score, but Ryan will start and end the exchanges.

That will help him control the pace of the fight and makes it easier. He is calm under pressure as well, and blocks shots, rides and counters effectively on the inside.

Ryan can just have the edge in a tough, hard fought fight. Each round will be close and hard to score, but Ryan will start and end the exchanges. Burnett wins it on points, but if he can stop him then it is a huge statement.

Spencer Oliver

This is a brilliant fight. Zhakiyanov comes to fight and I have no doubt this is going to be a tough night for Burnett, even if he is the home fighter.

Burnett has the better boxing brain and I think that will be crucial because the way Zhakiyanov just keeps going, will put him in some really sticky moments. A tough, tough fight, but Burnett on points.

Anthony Fowler

I'm a big fan of Ryan and hope he wins, but he is in for a hard, hard night's work with 'ZZ'.

I saw 'ZZ' against Warren. I'm a big fan of Warren and Zhakiyanov beat him. He's extremely tough and determined, and won't give anyone an easy night, will push him very hard.

I think Ryan might just take it. He's a little too young and fresh, and with the Belfast crowd behind him I can't see him losing.

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 Action.