Burnett to claim world title
Published:
Belfast favourite will impress judges
Unbeaten Northern Irishman Ryan Burnett faces experienced Lee Haskins for the IBF world bantamweight title on Saturday night at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena. The betting has a home win as the most likely outcome.
Sky Sports screen an exciting undercard and main event live, and Coral punters can bet on the hard-hitting action now. Click here to have your say on the top of the bill tussle, or to build your boxing accumulators.
Burnett on a run of points wins
Fighting pride of Belfast, Ryan Burnett takes part in what will be his 17th professional contest, since turning to the paid ranks with a stoppage win over Laszlo Namesapati in Liverpool back in 2013. The 25-year-old orthodox boxer has carved out a perfect record so far, reading 16 wins from as many contests, with over half of those coming by way of KO/TKO.
It’s interesting to know the favourite, boasting a 56 per cent knockout average, has gone the distance in each of his last five contests. Popular puncher Jason Booth was beaten by a wide margin in November 2015 to kick-start that run, and victims since include Anthony Settoul for the WBC International title and Ryan Farrag for the British strap.
A sixth points cheer on the bounce for Ryan Burnett, in front of his own fans, has been chalked up as 10/11 favourite in the method of victory market by Coral traders, and looks the way to play this one. Supporters who fancy him to inflict a fourth career stoppage on opponent Lee Haskins will enjoy the 11/4, while more reserved backers find the Burnett win at 3/10.
Champion can count on experience
Haskins may not show the same pristine record as that of his younger opponent, but he enjoys the lion’s share of ring experience, having already contested a total of 231 rounds since his pro bow way back in 2003.
The 33-year-old southpaw from Bristol seems to be aging like a fine wine too, and goes unbeaten since losing to Stephane Jamoye for the European title in 2012. Since that eighth-round reverse, Play Boy has won each of his last eight, picking up British, European and IBF world titles.
Becoming world ruler courtesy of a sixth-round TKO of Ryosuke Iwasa, Haskins has defended twice, scalping both Ivan Morales and Stuart Hall on points. This fight to go the scheduled distance looks a safe play at Coral’s 8/15, while a points upset can be had at 4/1.
