Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BURNETT: BRING IT Ryan ready to do anything for belt
RYAN BURNETT insists he will deal with anything world champion Lee Haskins has to throw at him tonight. Burnett is counting down the hours to his IBF bantamweight world title showdown at the SSE Arena. The North Belfast star – who tipped the scales at 8st 5lbs at yesterday’s weigh-in – believes he will thrive under the spotlight as he faces the toughest test of his career so far. “It’s a fight I wanted and it is a fight I know I can deal with,” Burnett said. “It doesn’t matter what Haskins throws at me tonight, I will be ready. “I know this will be a tough fight. Haskins is a quality fighter and he is a world champion. “But I am ready to take that belt off him. Believe me when I say it, that IBF belt is staying in my city.” Over 4,000 fans are expected to be in attendance at the SSE Arena to watch Burnett’s potential date with destiny. And the 25-year-old is ready to deliver in front of his home fans. “I have been overwhelmed by the support,” he added. “People asked whether I would sell many tickets, but the response has been brilliant. “I paid my dues across the water and I have trained and fought in England, so this was my first time coming home. “Thank God, Belfast has come out in force and really pulled their weight. There are plenty of people here supporting me, so I am grateful for that.” Haskins has been in relaxed mood ahead of tonight’s fight. The Bristol man will be making the third defence of his title in Belfast, and he is confident his reign will continue after his meeting with Burnett. “I am just enjoying every second of this,” he said. “I am relaxed and ultra confident I will get another win. He (Burnett) fancies it. I fancy it. It is a 50-50 fight. “But I win. It is a massive fight for both of us, but I am ready to put everything on the line to make sure I keep my title.” Also on the card tonight Paul Hyland Jnr fights Adam Dingsdale for the vacant IBF Eastern/western Europe Lightweight Championship, while James Tennyson, inset, will contest the vacant WBA International Super-featherweight Championship against Ryan Doyle. Meanwhile, former heavyweight Mike Perez returns to the ring following a twoyear absence when he goes down in weight to take on Viktor Bistak over six rounds at cruiserweight.