Zelfa Barrett Seeks Big Fight After Last-Minute Cancellation

Zelfa Barrett Ready to Get Back in the Ring

Zelfa Barrett, a promising boxer from Manchester, is eager to return to action after his fight with Cristian Bielma fell through. With a solid record of 31 wins and 2 losses (17 KOs), Barrett is hoping to jump back into the ring before the year ends. His last bout was in April, where he scored an impressive ninth-round knockout against Jordan Gill in a world title eliminator. Since then, he’s been itching for more fight time but hasn’t been able to land a deal.

After the unfortunate cancellation of the Bielma fight, Barrett remains focused on finding a big matchup soon. His promoter, Eddie Hearn, is committed to getting Barrett back in action and has already mentioned some exciting prospects.

Exciting Matchup with Ray Ford on the Horizon

One potential opponent on the radar is former WBA featherweight champion Ray Ford. Hearn sees this as a fantastic opportunity for Barrett to shine. “I really like the Ray Ford fight,” he said, suggesting they could set it up either in America or back in Manchester.

Barrett has a ton of talent, and Hearn knows it’s crucial for him to stay active. “He’s got to dive into a big fight because we don’t want that chance to slip away,” Hearn added. A fight with Ford could be a game-changer for Barrett, especially as he aims to reclaim a title in the fiercely competitive junior lightweight division.

The Challenges of Securing a Fight

Despite Barrett’s impressive skills, including a gutsy performance against Shavkat Rakhimov for the IBF title two years ago, getting a big fight has been tough. He took that match on short notice and even managed to drop Rakhimov in the third round before being stopped in the ninth. Since that fight, Barrett has bounced back with three wins, putting himself back in the mix as a serious contender.

Barrett has also been linked to other big names, like IBF champion Anthony Cacace, and there were even talks of him moving up to lightweight to face WBC champion Shakur Stevenson. However, locking down a meaningful fight has proven to be a challenge. Hearn has mentioned that if they can’t bring a notable opponent to Manchester, Barrett might need to consider traveling for a chance to fight.

“Zelfa did okay at the gate last time with Jordan Gill,” Hearn pointed out. “It’s not a huge fight, and he’s not a big ticket seller. It’s tough to bring a world championship fight to the city because you’ve got to pay a lot to attract a champion.” This highlights the hurdles that fighters like Barrett face in the boxing world, balancing the need for big fights with the financial realities of the sport.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we head into 2025, Barrett is laser-focused on making the most of any opportunities that come his way. The potential fight with Ray Ford could be just what he needs to get back on track, allowing him to compete against a notable opponent and inch closer to title contention. Fans are eagerly awaiting Barrett’s next move, hoping to see him make a statement in the boxing scene soon.

For now, Barrett’s journey is still unfolding, and with the right matchups, he could become a champion in the near future. The boxing community is keeping a close eye on him, excited to see how he’ll navigate the challenges ahead and capitalize on the opportunities that lie in front of him.