Zelfa Barrett is preparing to fulfil a lifelong dream at the weekend.
The Mancunian boxer is set to follow in the footsteps of local heroes Ricky Hatton and Scott Quigg by headlining the AO Arena on Saturday. Barrett’s (30-2) upcoming fight with Jordan Gill (28-2-1) may be a world title eliminator but the stakes already could not be much higher for the super featherweight as he tops a major Manchester card for the first time.
From a fighting family, including uncle and trainer Pat Barrett and cousin Lyndon Arthur, this moment has been a long time coming for the 30-year-old. It will be Barrett’s fourth time fighting at the arena and he is aiming to build upon his new main event status as he targets a second world title opportunity.
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“When I got the call to say it was at the arena, I just thought I’d be a part of it but when he said I was headlining I thought, ‘Thank God, thank you. It’s about time,” Barrett told MEN Sport. “I’m the best fighter in Manchester and I believe that it’s my time to top that arena. I’ve boxed there myself a couple of times but this is special.”
“This fight is the key to me headlining Manchester again,” he added. “This fight is the key for me to get people on my train. This is a big fight for me. It’s a world title eliminator but this is already my world title fight because when I beat Gill certain doors are open.”
Barrett will face one of the toughest tests of his career against Jordan Gill, who most recently proved unfazed as an away fighter with his impressive win over Michael Conlan in Belfast. Both men have held European titles, but Barrett believes he will be a step above his opponent, helping to forge his path to becoming a world champion.
“He’s a good fighter but he’s not got a style that I’ve not seen. All I focus on is being the best version of me,” Barrett admitted. “I respect him as a fighter. I respect what he’s going to try and do but the best version of me beats anybody.”
The super featherweight has only allowed himself to briefly indulge in the magnitude of headlining the AO Arena. However, Barrett predicts that he will end the weekend with a new legion of fans, beyond the Manchester crowd in attendance, through a showcase performance against Gill on Saturday.
“Little spurts at night time when you lay down and start thinking about what you’ve got to do,” Barrett said when asked if he had reflected on his rise to becoming Manchester’s latest main event star. “I feel like a day or two after the fight it’ll really kick in, what I would’ve done after I beat Gill.
“Manchester’s been screaming for this and everyone likes to be on the winning train. When I beat Gill it’s only going to grow and grow. It’s a big fight and I’m so excited for it!”
Zelfa Barrett will be facing Jordan Gill at the AO Arena on Saturday 13th April and tickets are available HERE. The event will also be broadcast live on DAZN from 7pm.
