Ireland's Ryan Burnett has publicly acknowledged the injury that brought about the end of his WBA bantamweight reign, vowing to one day return to 'where I belong' and become a world champion once again.
Taking on the highly-experienced Nonito Donaire in last weekend's World Boxing Super Series, the quarter-final clash between the pair ended prematurely when Burnett suddenly dropped to one knee in the centre of the ring after throwing an errant punch.
A four-weight world champion over the course of an incredibly impressive career, Donaire looked on as Burnett was given a standing count before returning to the fray.
Although he managed to keep moving for the remainder of the fourth round, it became apparent once Burnett returned to his corner that he would not be returning for the fifth; his trainer Adam Booth informing the officials, and relinquishing Burnett's WBA belt in the process.
Had Burnett overcame Donaire in what was shaping up to be an intriguing bout, the Irishman would have had the chance to fight Zolani Tete for his WBO bantamweight belt in the semi-final of that tournament.
Instead, the Belfast boxer must return to the drawing board as it were, and plan a subsequent assault on the summit.
"I am absolutely gutted not to be World Champion," Burnett revealed via Twitter.
"The scenario was totally out of my control, but I understand, injury is a part of sporting life.
"My assessments have been completed, and diagnosed that I have torn muscle fibres in my right internal oblique, where a portion of the muscle has also detached from the bone where it inserts.
"This is not a career ending injury, but it is one that will require intensive treatment and rehabilitation.
"I will pick myself up, make myself strong again, and get back to where I believe I belong, as Champion of the World."
Ryan Burnett also took time to thank those who had sent their good wishes to him, and Donaire himself, "for being a man of such great character."
