Joshua vs Parker: Ryan Burnett wants another big fight in Belfast after next title defence
Thursday 29 March 2018 15:42, UK
Ryan Burnett has vowed to bring his WBA belt back to Belfast with successful title defence against Yonfrez Parejo on the Anthony Joshua-Joseph Parker bill.
The Northern Irishman was forced to vacate his IBF belt after he could not agree terms with Emmanuel Rodriguez, but instead defends WBA title against Parejo in Cardiff this Saturday night, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
WBA 'regular' champion Jamie McDonnell, former IBF king Paul Butler and the Britain-based WBO title holder Zolani Tete are all part of the bantamweight division, but Burnett must overcome Parejo before he can think about another hometown fight.
"He's my mandatory challenger, he's not in that position for nothing," said Burnett.
"He comes with a great record, and he's a great talent himself. When you get to world level boxing, these are the type of fights that come with the territory.
Ryan Burnett: My Greatest Night
"There's a lot going on in the bantamweight division at the moment, but I haven't focused on anything bar March 31.
"If I win on Saturday, I'll then focus on what's next. I will take this belt back to Belfast and I will have another show in Belfast."
Burnett has shrugged off the loss of his IBF belt, with Butler likely to battle Rodriguez for the vacant strap, and simply wants to enhance his growing reputation in front of a huge audience.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself and realise that I've won two world titles at the age of 25," he said.
"But if I'm honest I don't really feel like a world champion yet. When my career's over, I'll realise what I've done.
"I don't focus on anything that's out of my control. The belt being taken off me was out of my control, and it is, what it is. I'm still world champion. I didn't lose the belt, the belt was taken off me.
"It is a massive, massive stage. The entire world of boxing is going to be tuning in to watch, and now I'll have an opportunity to show what I've got on the big stage, so I'm very excited for it."
