RYAN BURNETT SIGNS WITH HATTON PROMOTIONS

IRISH amateur sensation Ryan Burnett has signed a long-term promotional deal with Hatton Promotions.

The Belfast teenager is one of Ireland’s most decorated amateurs of recent times and already moved to Manchester where he is being trained by Ricky Hatton.

Burnett, 19, who will box at either flyweight or bantamweight and makes his debut in late-April or May said: “Everything is going well and I am in Manchester to learn under Ricky.”

As an amateur he compiled a record of 94 wins and four defeats. Burnett’s international honours include an Olympic Youth Gold Medal, seven All-Ireland titles, numerous multi-nations medals, Six Antrim titles and four Ulster titles.

Burnett represented Ireland 40 times at international level, and Hatton said: “I am very excited to be working with Ryan, but it is baby steps at the moment.

“From the short time we have spent together he is obviously one helluva talent, but we really have to take our time because he is so young.

“In the next few weeks we will continue building our relationship and then see how his weight is before deciding what division he should start in.

“It will be a bit of a wait for his debut, because although it is the same sport the amateur code is so different from the professionals.”