Burnett Ready For Pro Debut In Oldham

Red hot Irish prospect Ryan Burnett will make his professional debut next month.

Burnett was given his professional licence at the weekend and will make his debut on Hatton Promotions bumper bill, at Oldham Leisure Centre on Saturday April 21.

Burnett, 19, who will box at super-flyweight, has impressed trainer Ricky Hatton since moving to Manchester from Belfast.

Hatton said: “It was a proud day for Ryan when the British Boxing Board of Control handed him his licence. I’m sure with his amateur record and pedigree, along with the fine tuning by myself as his trainer, he will go a long way. It’s early days and I don’t wish to put pressure on a young boys shoulders, but I think Ryan could bring a world title to Britain and in particular – Belfast.”

Burnett represented Ireland 40 times as an amateur and compiled a record of 94 wins and four defeats.

His international honours include an Olympic Youth Gold Medal, seven All-Ireland titles, numerous multi-nations medals, Six Antrim titles and four Ulster titles.

In the top of the bill battle, Manchester’s Anthony Crolla will defend his British lightweight crown against Derry Mathews.

More fights will be added but among those appearing will be former European super-featherweight champion – Stephen Foster Jr and unbeaten Jazza Dickins.

Boxing starts at 6.15pm and tickets are on sale. They are priced at £35 general admission, £55 floor seating, £75 ringside and £100 VIP Ringside. You can buy by calling the Hatton Box Office 01925 755 222, Ticketmaster 0844 847 2500, Ticketline 0844 888 9991, any boxer on the bill or online www.hattonboxing.com