All eyes are on Ireland in the forthcoming weeks as the resurgence in boxing on the Emerald Isle looks to get another huge lift with 3 big Saturday shows in succession. It’s a double bill of excitement for Belfast with Eddie Hearn, Matchroom taking over the Odyssey for World title action featuring local prospect Ryan Burnett. Then the following Saturday 17th June Frank Warren brings a handful of Irish talent to the Waterfront headlined by local hero Paddy Barnes going for European honours in only his 3rd fight. Then its Dublin’s turn at the National stadium on a Red Corner promoted event featuring Irish titles contested at middleweight and light heavyweight.
This Saturday it all gets started with Ryan Burnett. The British Bantamweight champion is looking to gate crash the division in spectacular fashion when he challenges the very experienced slick boxing IBF champion Lee Haskins in an intriguing clash.
Haskins has impressive wins on his record, most notably his victory over Ivan Morales. He also holds wins over former IBF champion Stuey Hall twice, current WBA champion Jamie Mc Donnell. Furthermore he’s scored good domestic wins over Jason Booth, Ross Burkinshaw and Martin Ward in a career that’s seen only one loss in the last nine years for the Bristol southpaw.
Burnett on the other hand is still early into his professional career but with excellent amateur credentials. He won silver in the World Youths and gold at Olympic Youths. This talented 25-year old has an unblemished record with 16 straight wins, 9 by KO. Burnett picked up the WBO European and British titles along the way, nevertheless this is a big step up for him and shows the faith experienced trainer Adam Booth has in the talented all action Belfast man.
This should provide for an excellent clash between two skilful performers both with fast hands and quick reflexes. Experience and knowledge is with Haskins who is very confident but is 33 years old. Youth and workrate are with Burnett and with the terrific Belfast crowd roaring him on it could be “right time, right place” for Burnett to come of age and write his name in Irish boxing history….