Former world champion Hatton brings Zhakiyanov (27-1, 18KOs) to Belfast in an historic unification battle that sees the Manchester legend in the opposite corner to the man he introduced to the paid ranks.
The IBF king turned pro with Hatton in 2012 but a stuttering start to his career saw him leave the ‘Hitman’ in 2014 after just four pro fights and instead team up with London-based Adam Booth.
Hatton has admitted that Burnett (17-0, 9KOs) was right to move onto pastures new and was proud to see the 25-year-old claim the IBF crown – but warns that he will have his hands full against 33-year-ld WBA Super king Zhakiyanov.
Burnett is Sky Bet's 2/7 favourite to win the fight, with Zhakiyanov 5/2 and the draw 25/1.
"I knew 100 per cent that Ryan had the ability to go all the way when I was training him," said Hatton. But I was having a lot of problems at the time - I wasn’t in a good place at all and Ryan felt the training was better elsewhere.
"I wasn’t the trainer I am today. I understand why he left. There are no hard feelings. The Ricky Hatton of today is in a miles better place than the Ricky Hatton back then.
"I texted him before his world title fight with Lee Haskins to say good luck and texted him again straight after to say congratulations.
"I think the world of Ryan and his family. He’s a great lad and a wonderful talent but I don’t think he’s going to beat us on the night.
"Ryan’s done everything asked of him so far but he’s going to have to show more than his talent in this one. If he doesn’t nail Zhanat to the canvas in the first few rounds he’s in for a very tough night.
"They’ve sparred together and he probably just edged the sessions with those big gloves and head guard but times and circumstances change. Ryan’s in for a heap of trouble once that bell goes.”
Zhakiyanov was the man in trouble early in his world title clash with Rau’shee Warren in February, hitting the canvas twice in the opening round in Ohio.
The hometown star was unable to put the visitor away though and Zhakiyanov recovered and pulled away from Warren to rip the WBA's 'super' strap from him via split decision – a proud night for Hatton and one he feels will serve them well against Burnett.
"He was never going to beat Warren on just boxing ability alone," said Hatton. "He was going to beat him with a lot of heart and will to win the world title. We had a good game plan overall but he made fundamental mistakes in the first round.
"I told him not to stand off Warren because he’ll ping you and look what happened – he stood off and ended up on his arse. He can’t start the same against Ryan with all his skill.
"He’s learnt lessons from it and come away with a world title. He went to Ohio in Warren’s backyard to take his belt and this time he goes into Ryan’s backyard so it’s nothing new to him and the experience will help.
"He’s never looked better to be honest with you. I know you hear trainers say that a lot, but he has never looked this good. He couldn’t be any sharper.
"He’s got an extra bit of ambition and determination for this one. There’s always been that bit of rivalry between the two. The fact he used to share a gym with Ryan and spar with him at the same weight.
"Ryan hasn’t fought anyone as good as who Zhanat has been in with. He’s beat Karim Guerfi for the European who is a very, very good fighter – potential world class.
"Rau’shee Warren is an absolutely outstanding fighter. As good as Lee Haskins and Ryan Farrag are, they aren’t big power houses who can pack a huge punch."
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