Undefeated bantamweight challenger Ryan Burnett (16-0, 9 KOs) seized the IBF world title from reigning IBF champion Lee Haskins (34-4, 14 KOs) winning a dominant 12 round decision, that was outrageously announced as a split verdict on Saturday night in front of his home countrymen at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Burnett fought an intelligent fight, starting fast and out-hustling Haskins, who was barely allowed to get a foothold in the contest.. Burnett scored knockdowns in round six and eleven, yet had to overcome a deep cut between his eyes from round 2 onwards.. Haskins looked spent following the second knockdown and was unable to use his right, relying on wild left hooks for the remainder of the action.. Scores were predictably 119-107, 119-107 for Burnett, although an outrageous 118-108 card for Haskins was marked by judge Clark Sammartino of the United States, who looks to have confused the fighters with alternate points scoring..
Chief Support on the Belfast show was the cruiserweight debut of former heavyweight contender Mike Perez, 21-2-1 (13 Ko's) The 31 year old Cuban took less than 20 seconds to annihilate Viktor Biscak 10-0 (7 Ko's) of Slovakia, who appeared to injure his ankle following a knockdown.. Perez looked a different person, a renewed dedication obvious by his ripped physique.. It would have been a little more revealing to see a few rounds of Perez at the new weight, the mismatch was unfortunate and the unveiling anticlimactic.. Regardless, Mike Perez still appears a threat in either division.
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