At the end of October, Ryan Burnett impressively unified his IBF world bantamweight title with the WBA(Super) title in only his 18th professional fight, a quite phenomenal feat against Zhanat Zhakiyanov.
It was an accomplishment that has rarely been made before a fighter has approached the 20-fight mark of his professional career.
15th fight wins British Title…. 17th fight wins IBF World Title…18th Fight unifies IBF & WBA Belts! These are the .@ryanburnett01 stats pic.twitter.com/WPl1HepVZy
— Adam Booth (@boxingbooth) December 13, 2017
In an exclusive interview with the Belfast Telegraph. Burnett has reflected on what has been a stellar year for the young champion.
“It’s something that I’ve pushed myself towards and now I’ve done it,” Burnett told the Belfast Telegraph.
Touching on the significance of his accomplishments during the calendar year. Burnett shared that he doesn’t feel that what he has accomplished will sink in until a later date in his career.
“I think it will settle in after my career, I don’t think I really understand the magnitude of it right now.”
Champ Champ. pic.twitter.com/EfrmdtPELT
— Ryan Burnett (@ryanburnett01) December 18, 2017
The Northern Irish slickster did share that capturing the unified title was something that will live in the memory.
“Becoming unified champion is something special. There aren’t many out there that are capable of doing it so it’s definitely my highlight of 2017.”
“A lot of people are asking me when I’ll be back out again,” he said.
Touching on his plans, moving forwards, Burnett shared he doesn’t want to discuss his next outing in the squared circle before 2018 arrives.
“I told Eddie [Hearn] and Adam [Booth] ‘don’t dare talk to me about boxing until the new year,’ so I haven’t heard a peep.”
Concerning his time away from the gym, Burnett shared his focus is to mentally recharge and enjoy himself.
“I’ve been taking it easy. I’ve been told a mental rest is just as important. I’m keeping myself ticking over in the gym but I am enjoying myself too.”
This is what 14 years of hard work looks like?? #ChampChamp pic.twitter.com/qtkWs5kmVo
— Ryan Burnett (@ryanburnett01) December 14, 2017
When Burnett returns to dedicating himself to his craft in the new year, Burnett has voiced out and shared he is ready to take on anybody.
“I told Eddie and Adam that I’ll fight anybody. As a promotional side of things, it’s down to them to do it.”
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