Ryan Burnett V Zhanat Zhakiyanov

Ryan Burnett will face Zhanat Zhakiyanov in an historic unification clash for the IBF and WBA Super World Bantamweight titles on Saturday October 21st.

'I’m very, very excited!' said Burnett. 'This is the path I’ve always believed in and asked for – to be not just a World champion but a great World champion and this is exactly the fight that propels me into that position. I wouldn’t have it any other way.'

'I'm so proud firstly to be part of history in bringing this huge unification to Belfast but also of Ryan Burnett for taking on this huge challenge,' said promoter Eddie Hearn. 'Following his great win against Haskins for the title, it would have been so easy to come back to Belfast with a standard defence but Ryan want to be great and make history and this fight against Zhakiyanov can do just that. It's a brilliant fight and it's going to be a special night on October 21 – fight fans can expect an epic main event and a stacked card whether watching in the SSE or live on Sky Sports.'

Burnett ripped the IBF crown from Lee Haskins in impressive style in June at the SSE Arena and puts the title on the line in the first unification fight to be held in Northern Ireland.

The unbeaten Belfast talent faces a stiff examination if he’s to land the WBA strap in the form of Zhakiyanov, the 30 year old Kazakh trained by British legend Ricky Hatton who is fresh from an impressive February win over Rau’shee Warren in his backyard in Ohio to claim the title.