WATCH: The moment Ryan Burnett picked Nonito Donaire as his opening WBSS opponent
No venue or date has been confirmed yet but fight fans around Ireland are hoping that Nonito Donaire will make a return to these shores this Autumn.
The Filipino four weight world champion endeared himself to Belfast when he fought Carl Frampton and is now set to face one of the Titanic City’s other leading lights.
This evening Ryan Burnett [19(9)-0] picked Nonito Donaire as his quarter-final opponent at the Draft Gala of the World Boxing Super Series in Moscow.
The WBA bantamweight champion chose Donaire [38(24)-5(1)] over Juan Carlos Payano and Misha Aloyan and will defend his title versus the South East Asian this September or October.
The fight will be a double-header with another quarter final match up and Irish fight fans, and Burnett, hope that it will play out at the SSE Odyssey Arena.
Upon choosing Donaire, Burnett said that “Nonito’s been an amazing champion, he’s a great, great fighter. I believe Nonito can bring out the best in me and that’s what I’m looking for.”
The Filipino Flash said that “I’m very, very excited.”
“I know that Ryan got what it takes so I’m going to be at my best, guaranteed,” he added before embracing Burnett in a big bear-hug.
Here we go! @ryanburnett01 chooses @filipinoflash! #TheDraft #Season2 🏆 #AliTrophy pic.twitter.com/vPF7vwSZWh
— World Boxing Super Series (@WBSuperSeries) July 20, 2018
Watch the Draft Gala in full below (skip to 34:30 for Burnett’s pick)
