WATCH: Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov – First Face-off
Ryan Burnett [17(11)-0] renewed acquaintances with Zhanat Zhakiyanov [27(18)-1(0)] this afternoon in Belfast ahead of their bantamweight unification this Autumn.
Belfast’s IBF champion goes up against the Manchester-based Kazakh WBA champion on a big Matchroom bill at the SSE Odyssey Arena on Saturday October 21st.
Former sparring partners while Burnett was trained by Ricky Hatton – Zhakiyanov remains under the tutelage of the two-weight world champ – the pair met today at the first official press conference for the card at the Europa Hotel.
A cordial affair, the two fighters faced off at the conclusion of all the talk.
As always, Burnett intensely stared-down his man – before sharing a lighter moment with his former gym mate as they posed for photos.
Watch Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov face-off below:
Video courtesy of IFL TV
The Ryan Burnett v Zhanat Zhakiyanov undercard features Paul Hyland v Stephen Ormond, Tyrone McKenna v Tommy Coyle, James Tennyson v Darren Traynor, Feargal McCrory, Jay Byrne, and Josh Kelly, with more still to be announced.
Tickets for the night cost £30, £40, £60, £100, £150 (VIP), and are available from the boxers involved or through HERE
