Headline News

Hearn planning May world title fight for Ryan Burnett

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn plans to bring Ryan Burnett [15(9)-0] back to Belfast in the next few months for a world title fight.

The British bantamweight champion fights this Saturday in Hull in a keep-busy fight against Spaniard Josafat Reyes, and Hearn has indicated that it will be Belfast next for the 24 year old.

The English promoter told the BBC that “the atmosphere in Belfast is second to none. We want to come with a major world title fight night for boxing in Northern Ireland.”

“It would probably be late April or early May and I think realistically it is his chance to win a world title.”

Looking at the Matchroom schedule, the Anthony Joshua v Wladimir Klitschko heavyweight title clash takes place on April 29th at Wembley Stadium, while a soon-to-be-confirmed card will take place at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on April 22nd, suggesting a May date for Burnett.

Hearn believes that the North Belfast fighter has the potential to be a “real star.” He described how Burnett “has got that little cheeky smile. He’s got the swagger to be a real star in the sport and the style as well, he’s very exciting to watch.”

“He really does have that star quality and working with his trainer Adam Booth, I really feel he has the talent to go all the way to the top.”

First however Burnett must negotiate the challenge of Reyes at the Ice Arena this weekend. Should he do so, we perhaps could see an in-ring announcement of a world title homecoming.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)

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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