Haskins vs Burnett: Wayne McCullough says Ryan Burnett can repeat his world title success
Wednesday 7 June 2017 17:36, UK
Wayne McCullough hopes fellow Belfast fighter Ryan Burnett can match his achievement and win a world title in his 17th professional fight.
Burnett will step up to world title level after stringing together 16 straight victories as he takes on IBF bantamweight world champion Lee Haskins at the Odyssey Arena this Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
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He's just turned 25 a few days ago and I'd just turned 25 in the same month I fought for the belt as well. It is weird and I hope he does exactly what I did and becomes the world champion
McCullough was himself crowned as WBC champion in his 17th professional bout and hopes Burnett can produce a repeat performance in his hometown.
"I've never met him but we're in touch on Twitter and he is a nice kid," said McCullough, who will be watching the fight from Las Vegas.
"He's come into the pro game very quickly. After around a dozen fights, he looked like a seasoned pro whose had more fights than he actually had.
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"The funny thing is he is fighting for the belt in his 17th fight and I fought for the world championship in my 17th fight as well.
"He's just turned 25 a few days ago and I'd just turned 25 in the same month I fought for the belt as well. It is weird and I hope he does exactly what I did and becomes the world champion."
McCullough is the only British or Irish fighter to go out to Japan and win a world title, following his split decision win over established champion Yasuei Yakushiji in 1995.
The 'Pocket Rocket' returned home with the WBC bantamweight title and made his first defence at the iconic Kings Hall and cannot wait to see the impact the home support will have on Burnett's chances.
"They might not do much to affect the home fighter but they can scare the other guy, that's for sure," said McCullough. "But Haskins has got the experience, so I am not sure that is going to scare him.
"Haskins will probably bring a few with him from Bristol but the noise and the singing from those Belfast fans is something completely different. It will send shivers down his spine though.
"That's one thing about Ireland - north and south - is they get together and they both get behind you.
"Belfast is my home city and to get a fight there was unbelievable, defending my world championship there. I also went to Dublin for my second defence and that was just like fighting in Belfast again.
"Irish fans will support you and go out there wherever you go.
"Burnett is going to be ready and to get to fight for a world championship in your own backyard - which was a dream of mine - is fantastic."
Watch Lee Haskins v Ryan Burnett, live from Odyssey Arena, Belfast, on Saturday night, on Sky Sports 2, from 8pm.
