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Short-notice Sky Sports fight announced for Ryan Burnett

Ryan Burnett [15(9)-0] has been handed a short-notice date for his first fight of 2017.

The Belfast bantamweight, based in London under trainer Adam Booth, has been confirmed for the Sky Sports bill in Hull next Saturday (February 25th).

In what will be a keep-busy bout for the world title-chasing British champ, Burnett will face Mexican Joseafat Reyes [6(1)-7(0)] on the card at the Ice Arena in an eight rounder.

In November Reyes would shock prospect Brad Watson before points competitive points losses to Iain Butcher and Joe Ham. Last weekend he was involved in another competitive six rounder with European flyweight champ Thomas Masson.

Despite this, Reyes is a big step down from 24 year old Burnett’s string of opposition since his move to Matchroom, and it is hoped that the fight is merely an opportunity to look good in front of the cameras and stay sharp before a world title fight in the very near future.

Since moving to Matchroom, Burnett has won four times, defeating Jason Booth to win the British title before wins over Anthony Settoul and Cesar Ramirez. The Youth Olympic gold medalist would then defend the Londsale belt against Ryan Farrag in October, his most recent fight.

A world title fight in Belfast in April had been mooted last year, however talk of this has subsided since we entered 2017. It is hoped that further details of Burnett’s progression will be unveiled during fight week.

Eric Donovan joins Gavan Casey and Joe O’Neill on Episode 2 of the Irish Boxing Show:

Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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