FORMER world super-featherweight title challenger Zelfa Barrett has an opinion why none of the present champions are selecting to combat him.
The 31-year-old is again on VIP Boxing’s November 30 card in Bolton, to be proven reside on the Boxing Information YouTube channel, seven months after stopping Jordan Gill in 10 rounds.
Barrett fought for the vacant IBF 130lb belt two years and made a fantastic begin dropping Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov within the third session. The Mancunian couldn’t keep his success, nonetheless, and noticed his first world title tilt waved off in spherical 9 after being on the ground twice.
The Matchroom fighter has picked up three wins since then and is keen for an additional crack at one of many 4 belts in 2025.
“That’s why I’m so determined to combat and to be a world champion,” Barrett informed the VIP Boxing YouTube channel.
As issues stand the present title holders at 130lbs are Emanuel Navarrete (WBO), Anthony Cacace (IBF), O’Shaquie Foster (WBC) and Lamont Roach (WBA). Navarrete defends in opposition to Oscar Valdez on December 7, Cacace might face necessary challenger Eduardo Nunez early subsequent yr, Foster gained his title again from Robson Conceicao on November 2 and Lamont Roach is ready on a brand new date to problem Gervonta Davis at light-weight. Barrett, who’s ranked at 4 with the WBA and 6 with the IBF, might have to attend even longer for a second alternative.
“I consider I’m higher than the remainder of the world champions. I feel they comprehend it too, as a result of nobody’s not asking to combat me,” ‘Barrett mentioned.
Barrett will flip 32 subsequent summer season however the ‘Brown Flash’ is assured one of the best remains to be to come back.
“I’m excited to combat in huge fights now as a result of there’s nonetheless one other fashion that I’ve not needed to present but, actually. They’ve not seen the total potential.
“Some individuals develop mentally and bodily in a different way to others. You get some fighters which have developed after they’re solely 20, 24. Perhaps after they’re 29, they only dip. And I really feel like I’m one among them fighters the place mentally I matured later, bodily I matured later.”
With a profitable run out on November 30 Barrett will anticipate 2025 might be the yr he unlocks his full potential and win a world title.
