Ryan Burnett - Ecstasy and Agony

In Part 2 with Ryan Burnett, he's a man on the brink. After years of hard work, bordering on obsessiveness, he's about to reach the pinnacle. But winning the world title doesn't give him contentment because it doesn't give him financial freedom; not yet anyway. Here, he talks about becoming world champion with victory over Lee Haskins back in Belfast, where sparring partner Carl Frampton has built an empire. He unifies against Kazakhstan's Zhanat Zhakiyanov - with his former mentor Ricky Hatton now in his opponent's corner - and he's on his way. But the payout doesn't come without a price, as Ryan is brought to hospital after suffering for his triumph. Becoming a champion hasn't dimmed his desire - upon his return to camp, he's instantly beating his pre-fight times in the hill sprints, which gives him a new nickname but, as he believes, the effort nearly kills him. HIs entry into the World Boxing Super Series looks like it's going to lead to an ultimate clash with Japan's Naoya Inoue. But in a set-up showdown with Nonito Donaire, Ryan suffers what ends up being a career-ending back injury. Asked to describe the pain he feels when trying to fight on against the Filipino star, his answer makes me sick to my stomach. At 27, his career as a boxer is over and while there may be regrets and what-ifs, he's a boxing success story - coming out healthy in the knowledge he'll be able to play with his kids when they come along. Now, after being able to buy his house and start a business, he's been bitten by the boxing bug again. And, as he explains, the obsession has started all over again... Ryan Burnett's is the ultimate Rocky Road story. 

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