Belfast has a well-deserved reputation in the annals of boxing, and Ryan Burnett (18-0), only 5’4” tall, is helping to fulfill that legacy.

Boxrec has Burnett rated at # 4 in the bantamweight division, and he currently holds the WBA, IBF, and British bantamweight titles.

His impressive record of 18 fights and 18 wins, without ever being knocked out, supports his reputation as one of the best boxers in the division.

No stranger to the sport, Ryan started boxing in Belfast at the age of 4. After turning pro in 2012, he moved to Manchester to train under Ricky Hatton.

Two years later, he joined Adam Booth’s London stable of big name fighters, including David Haye, Andy Lee, and George Groves.

With only 9 KO’s, he’s not a banger, but at 25, he hasn’t reached his peak. In addition, the Irishman can take a punch; his speed, stamina, and rhythm are also impressive.

The entertaining performances of the lad from Antrim Road are popular with Belfast fans, who admire his determination and ability to turn a scrap around.

When floored by Jason Booth, Ryan got up off the canvas and went on fighting to win a decision. A resilient boxer, he also has quick hands and a good work rate.

Moreover, he’s taken on other seasoned opponents like Lee Haskins, and Zhanat Zhakiyanou in exciting wars that have gone the distance.

Burnett suffered a nasty cut in a war with Haskins, and his battle against Zhakiyanou turned into a gruelling 12-round contest on the inside, with vicious hooks and uppercuts.

After the brutal bout, Ryan experienced a scare, when he was taken to the hospital to monitor temporary swelling in his head, along with a loss of hearing in one ear.

Yet he now has the look of a champion, who is unaccustomed to losing. In his mind, no one can beat him, including Jamie McDonnell or Paul Butler.

A match against either McDonnell or Butler (both top-10 UK rivals), would draw a huge live gate in Belfast. Whatever happens, the fans haven’t heard the last of Ryan Burnett.