Tete is eager to show the Belfast public he’s up for Burnett duel
ZOLANI Tete has thrown down the gauntlet to IBF bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett, seeking to meet the Belfast man in a blockbuster battle in 2018.
WBO bantamweight champion Tete has confirmed that he will defend his belt against fellow South African Siboniso Gonya at Belfast’s SSE Arena on November 18, just a month after Burnett has faced WBA title holder Zhanat Zhakiyanov.
Whether Burnett wins or loses, Tete is eager to mix it with the Belfast man in what would be regarded as one of the most exciting fights in the bantamweight division.
“I’m delighted to be making the first defence of my World title in Belfast,” said Tete, who is part of the supporting bill to Carl Frampton’s return to the ring.
“I’ll be looking to make a statement in Ryan Burnett’s hometown as I know this is a fight my team tried to make for me but he didn’t want to know. I have the beating of all of the bantamweight world champions.
“I believe myself and Burnett would provide fans with a brilliant fight.
“I know the people in Belfast love their boxing and hopefully this is a fight that can be made when we both come through our next fights. For now all of my focus is on Siboniso Gonya on November 18.
“He is a good fighter and I am looking forward to testing myself against him.
“I hope he will put up a good fight but I will be heading back to South Africa with my belt around my waist.”
Gonya commented: “I have wanted this fight badly for some time and I am delighted that I finally have the chance to test myself against a fighter of Tete’s calibre.
“While other fighters have avoided him, I am relishing the opportunity to take his world title from him.”
Tickets for the Frank Warren show on November 18 go on sale today at noon, priced at £44, £55, £85, £105, £125 and £155.