Back To Belfast: Burnett Crushes Bulgarian Import

Ireland’s rising bantamweight star, Ryan Burnett, 5-0 (4), returned to his home city of Belfast yesterday evening on the ‘Back to the Future’ boxing event at the Devendish Complex.

The North Belfast fighter made short work of his durable Bulgarian opponent Valentin Marinov by way of a wicked body shot in the first round.

Burnett started the round using his crisp sharp jab to target the head of his opponent; Marinov covered well from behind a high guard. The Irishman then moved downstairs and unleashed a stinging body shot and Marinov touched the canvas and was forced to take a standing count.

When the action resumed Burnett cleverly returned to targeting his opponent’s head before loading up and landing a fatal body shot which saw Marinov go down and unable to continue.

The 22 year old Burnett relocated his training base to London over the summer and teamed up with accomplished and successful boxing manager and trainer Adam Booth.

Burnett commented after the fight ‘It is great to get my career kick started again, I am learning everyday in the gym from Adam. I made a statement tonight; I’m back and it feels so good. I took my time and picked my punches and it paid off.’

Adam Booth commented ‘I am delighted for Ryan, he showed the fans a small glimpse of what he can do, we will continue to work in the gym and keep busy to progress his career in the right direction.’

Burnett returns to the ring next Saturday night at York Hall in London.