RYAN BURNETT has been forced into retirement at the age of just 27. The Belfast fighter won the IBF bantamweight title from Lee Haskins in 2017 and quickly added the WBA strap when he outscored Zhanat Zhakiyanov in the same year.
But injuries and health issues then played havoc with the talented fighter’s progress. Last year, he was forced to quit in the fourth round against Nonito Donaire – a fight that was supposed to be his breakout – with a back injury.
“Although my retirement is forced through injuries, I carry a heart full of satisfaction and gratitude,” Burnett said. “I have achieved my childhood dream and secured my future health, which is something no amount of money or titles can provide.”
He last fought in May this year, stopping Jelbirt Gomera* in six rounds to take his record to 20-1 (10). We would like to extend our best wishes to Burnett and congratulate him on all he achieved.
