‘It’s my time’ - Zelfa Barrett aims to be Manchester’s hero in world title quest

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