Ryan Burnett to defend British title in opponent’s home city

Ryan Burnett [14(9)-0] will defend his British bantamweight title for the first time in October.

It has been announced that the Belfast 24 year old will face new mandatory challenger Ryan Farrag [15(4)-2(1)] on the Tony Bellew-BJ Flores undercard, live on Sky Sports at the Echo Arena in Liverpool on October 15th.

While he will be the defending champion, Burnett will be putting his belt on the line on hostile territory against the Liverpudlian who is a recent European champion.

Last time out 28 year old Farrag lost his EBU belt when he was stopped in the third round of his first defence against Frenchman Karim Guerfi.

Burnett fought last month in Leeds, comfortably and skillfully outpointing awkward Mexican Cesar Ramirez.

Following this win, Eddie Hearn envisioned a more show-stopping performance from Burnett once he is matched against a more dangerous foe – and Farrag will certainly provide this test.

The fight, which did not require purse bids, between Matchroom’s Burnett and the Frank Warren-promoted Farrag also shows an encouraging level of co-operation between the two rival promoters.

Tickets go on general sale today via www.echoarena.com.