Haskins vs Burnett: Your one-stop preview for IBF title fight

Lee Haskins defends his IBF bantamweight title against Ryan Burnett in Belfast on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports

Ryan Burnett will be hoping for a triumphant homecoming when he challenges IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in Belfast.

Background

The local hero is making the step-up to world title level as he takes on Haskins for the IBF belt at the Odyssey Arena on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.

A talented amateur, Burnett is trying to reach the top of the professional ranks in his 17th fight, but the seasoned Haskins will stand in his way.

The Bristol man is an awkward southpaw, with one punch knockout power, and he holds wins over Jamie McDonnell and Stuart Hall, the latter coming in a gritty decision victory in September.

Tale of the Tape: Lee Haskins v Ryan Burnett

But Burnett is a highly rated contender, whose career is carefully handled by trainer Adam Booth, and he is determined to become the newest champion in Northern Ireland.

What the fighters say

Lee Haskins is excited about the prospect of facing Ryan Burnett in a red-hot Belfast atmosphere Lee Haskins is excited about the prospect of facing Ryan Burnett in a red-hot Belfast atmosphere

Ryan Burnett hopes to be rewarded with a memorable victory after moving away from Belfast to pursue his world title dream Ryan Burnett hopes to be rewarded with a memorable victory after moving away from Belfast to pursue his world title dream

What the experts say

Under Adam Booth, you can see that Burnett has now got patience and he can break fighters when he’s sticking to a game plan. David Coldwell

I think it should be a good fight. Pinning down Haskins is a tough ask, he’s difficult to deal with because he’s a switch hitter. Jamie Moore

Ryan is going to have some tough times, because Lee Haskins is an awkward switch-hitter, but I do think his heart can be broken and I see Burnett doing that. Spencer Oliver

What the rival says

If it’s a close decision, I hope Ryan Burnett gets it, because Haskins doesn’t deserve close decisions any more. Stuart Hall

The weigh-in

Haskins and Burnett both made weight for their IBF bantamweight title battle Haskins and Burnett both made weight for their IBF bantamweight title battle

Ryan Burnett: 8st 5lbs 3oz

Lee Haskins: 8st 5lbs 3oz

The time draws near...

What a year it's been so far and there is much more to come, starting with Haskins against Burnett on Saturday What a year it's been so far and there is much more to come, starting with Haskins against Burnett on Saturday

Watch Ryan Burnett challenge IBF bantamweight champion Lee Haskins in Belfast this Saturday from 8pm on Sky Sports 2.