Zelfa Barrett believes he is "levels above" Gavin Gwynne ahead of their WBA Intercontinental lightweight title fight tonight. The Manchester lightweight faces Merthyr's Gwynne at the OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday as the chief support on the MF Pro card, live on DAZN, with the WBA Intercontinental title and a significant world ranking on the line.
The 33-year-old (35-3) has experience of big nights and says Saturday's stage holds no fears. "Feel great. Feel sharp. My weight's great. Mentally ready," he said. "I was born on a big stage, you know. I'm lucky to be on the MF Pro card, so I'm just going to take it all in and shine."
Respect for the champion
Barrett has respect for Gwynne, the former British and Commonwealth champion, but is in no doubt about who wins. "He's a good fighter, you know," he said. "He's a good fighter, but I'm just levels above him."
Gwynne has cast himself as the underdog with "the dog in him" against the flashier Barrett. Barrett, though, does not buy it, saying: "You know what? I disagree. Through life, obstacles and stuff, some people have got it, some people haven't. I might look pretty and I might come across a certain way, but I don't have to scream that I've got the dog inside me. Anybody at this top level has to have some sort of dog. This is my opportunity, and I'm not letting it go."
World title ambitions
The WBA belt carries a ranking that could put the winner in line for a world title shot, and Barrett, who has come close to world honours before, says the thought alone gives him chills. "Even now, that gives me a little chill," he said. "I believe I can be a world champion. I was so close one time, so this is my opportunity, and I'm not letting it go."
He already has 2027 mapped out, and it ends with a world title fight, admitting: "Hopefully headline Manchester, world title eliminator. That's what it looks like. Maybe June, July. Then hopefully fighting for the world title." Asked which of the champions he would pick, he was not choosing, replying: "I don't fear no one. I'm the big dog too."
Prediction depends on Gwynne
His prediction? That depends on Gwynne. The result, he says, does not. "It all depends on how Gavin comes out," he said. "If he comes out guns blazing, it'll be an early night. But if he comes out a bit tactical, it'll be on points. But regardless, I'm going to win."
Zelfa Barrett v Gavin Gwynne for the WBA Intercontinental lightweight title takes place on Saturday 14 November at the OVO Arena Wembley, live on DAZN.
