WBA Undisputed Bantamweight Champion Zhanat Zhakiyanov (27-1, 18KO’s) and Belfast native Ryan Burnett (17-0, 9KO’s) both made weight in Belfast, Northern Ireland, today. Zhakiyanov weighed in at 117.2 lbs and challenger Burnett weighed in at 117.4 lbs.
The fight will take place at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland and will aired on HBO “Boxing After Dark” as a same-day taping that will be broadcast before Jezreel Corrales defends his WBA Super Championship against Alberto Machado.
Zhakiyanov is coming off an upset win over American Olympian Rau’Shee Warren in February to win the WBA title and has come out of seemingly nowhere to surprise boxing fans across the world.
Not many people expected the 33 year old to do well as he came into the Warren bout off a 15 month layoff but he surprised everyone by getting off the canvas twice in the first round to come on strong and take over the fight to win the split decision.
Burnett, on the other hand, looked sensational in his last outing when he easily handled Lee Haskins to prove that he is ready to face more experienced fighters.
Burnett has previously said “If I can hurt him badly – I will. That’s what I hope to do.” He also says that he is going to make Belfast proud for this historic fight – which is the first title unification match in Belfast history.
