RYAN BURNETT beat Lee Haskins to become the new IBF bantamweight champion on Saturday (June 10).
Burnett sustained bad cut, after a clash of heads. But boxing with his hands low he still caught Haskins with power punches to come through after 12 rounds at the Odyssey in his Belfast hometown.
Judges Jerry Jakubco and Dave Parris saw it widely for Burnett and agreed on 119-107. But the decision was split and Clark Sammartino caused consternation with his card, scoring 118-108 for Haskins.
“I promised that this belt would stay in Belfast, and guess what it is staying in Belfast. I always knew I would be a world champion one day,” Burnett said.
“He hurt me a few times, so I had to dig deep. I was focused every second on what I had to do, Haskins is a serious competitor and he gave me hell. This is my dream, I just want to enjoy this now.
“I promised my dad when I was 11 that I would be world champ and tonight I have done it.”
