Exciting Manchester super-featherweight prospect Zelfa Barrett has insisted he is primed for the bigger stages that await him after inking a promotional deal with Frank Warren.
The ‘Brown Flash’, nephew of former British and European champion Pat ‘Black Flash’ Barrett, has won his seven professional fights, with two KO’s.
Now allied with who he credits as the country’s best promoter, Barrett, 22, is determined to follow the success of his compatriots, world-title holders Terry Flanagan and Anthony Crolla, starting with his BoxNation debut on February 13.
“I’m ready to move on to a bigger stage and Frank is the man to get me there,” he said.
“My main ambition is to become a world champion and with Frank’s guidance I believe this is something I can achieve.
“Obviously the British and European titles are on the tick list but ever since I was a kid I’ve wanted to be the best in the world.
“Seeing Manchester lads like Terry Flanagan and Anthony Crolla doing well drives me on even more – that’ll be me some day.”
Barrett’s BoxNation debut is on the February 13 bill at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, headlined by Terry Flanagan’s WBO World Lightweight Championship defence against Derry Matthews.
An opponent is yet to be announced, but Zelfa believes his mind-set will breakdown any opponent and help take him to the very top of the sport.
He said: “My main strength is my mind, I have a sharp fighter’s brain and I can out-think any opponent that is put in front of me.
“Anybody can train themselves to be quick and strong but in the ring it’s all about your brain.
“My eyes are on the prize in the super featherweight division, I bring class and skill to the table and I’ll be looking to entertain British boxing fans for many years to come.”
Zelfa follows in the footsteps of his famous uncle, who amassed an impressive total of 37 wins with 28 KO’s in a career stretching across the eighties and nineties.
The ‘Black Flash’ captured the Central Area, British and European titles at Super-Lightweight, but lost on points to Manning Galloway when challenging for world honours in 1992.
The elder Barrett is presently enjoying the challenge of being a promoter and trainer, and he is excited to see the fruits of this new collaboration.
“Frank is the top promoter in the country and knows his boxing inside out, he’s old-school and knows how to create stars,” he said.
“He was fantastic with my career and I’ve got all my faith in him delivering for my nephew Zelfa.
“This kid can fight, he’s so talented and I’m proud to have brought him to an impressive seven and 0 record.
“Now Frank will take over the promotional side and deliver him his golden opportunities.
“My era when I was fighting is completely different to the one Zelfa is entering now, we know he has the style and charisma to become a big star and I’m looking forward to working with Frank to achieve this goal.”
Warren’s Queensbury Promotions stable includes world title holders Flanagan, Liam Smith and Billy Joe Saunders – a list to which Zelfa is hoping his name will be added.
Warren said: “Zelfa comes from great fighting stock and he takes the famous fighting Barrett name into the next generation.
“His uncle Pat was a tremendous fighter in his time, who achieved British and European title status and just fell short on the world stage.
“But Zelfa has the belief and determination he can go one step further and win a world title.”
Image courtesy of British Boxers, via YouTube, with thanks
