Ryan Burnett beats Lee Haskins for IBF bantamweight title
Ryan Burnett beats Lee Haskins in an impressive points victory for the IBF bantamweight title.
Burnett who was fighting in his hometown Belfast dominated the fight despite one ringside judge awarding Haskins with a victory.
Haskins was floored twice, but, continued to fight throughout the 12 rounds.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the fight, Burnett was confident that he would be the victor.
I always knew I would be a world champion although I had to dig deep,
The Belfast fighter sent Haskins to the canvas in the sixth and eleventh round, but, his opponent was able to beat the count.
Two judges scored the fight 119-107 in Burnett’s favour while one judge scored the fight 118-108 in favour of Haskins. This prompted a stunned response from those in attendance and promoter Eddie Hearn believed that the one judge had mixed up the boxers.
Burnett realised that the fight was tougher than expected, but, he believed that he would keep the IBF title in Belfast.
I promised everyone that this belt would stay in Belfast and it has,
Haskins made me work but I did it and it is my dream – I’m the champion of the world.