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Road to Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donovan
Manchester fighter Zelfa Barrett is the current Commonwealth super featherweight champion after beating Lyon Woodstock on points back in June in Leeds. He has since made one title defence, where he defeated Jordan McCorry with a ninth-round stoppage. Barrett dominated the fight and he dropped McCorry three times – the final one being a beautiful uppercut that gave referee Steve Gray no option but to call the fight off. Barrett is an exciting boxer, he has only been beaten once since turning professional – a points loss to Ronnie Clark for the vacant IBF super featherweight belt. Barrett will be looking to add another belt to his collection when he fights Donovan for the vacant IBF Intercontinental super featherweight title. This will be Barrett’s first bout under the Matchroom banner and he knows if he impresses with a victory, then the bigger fights will be just around the corner. Donovan fights out of Athy, County Kildare, Ireland and is currently unbeaten after 12 professional fights – seven of those victories coming by way of knockout. Donovan had a stellar amateur career as a lightweight, he won bronze medal at the 2009 European Union Championships in Odense before winning another bronze at the 2010 European Championships in Moscow. Donovan’s last fight was back in Belfast when he stopped Joseafat Reyes in the seventh round to take his record to 12-0.
Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donovan Predictions & Tips
Zelfa Barrett is believed to have a very promising future ahead of him – why else would Matchroom Boxing have signed him to a contract. Barrett has claimed 14 knockout victims from his 24 professional fights. He is a brash and confident fighter and believes his record speaks for itself. He comes up against one of his toughest ever opponents in Eric Donovan. The Irishman is undefeated since turning professional in 2016, but many critics will argue he has never been in the ring with a powerful punch as Barrett. The Manchester fighter is not shy in shouting about how good he thinks he is, it’s time to show it now. He needs to start putting in some eye-catching performances in order to get the big fights and even bigger paydays. Donovan will put up some resistance in the opening rounds, but I expect Barrett to stop this one in the fifth.
Zelfa Barrett v Eric Donovan Preview: Fighter Predictions
Zelfa Barrett: “I have to put on a performance because all eyes are on me. It’s not like another show is taking place on the same day. It’s just our show. Fighters are entertainers as well as fighters. I’ll put on a performance no doubt. I don’t train this hard and live a fighter’s life to not put on a performance. It’s my dream to fight live on TV and put on a performance. The opportunities are endless with Eddie. You’ve just got to be ready. I’m like a Josh Warrington or a Kid Galahad – I live in the gym. I’m a gym rat. There’s so many opportunities out there in my weight division. Confidence is everything. You can have all of the ability in the world but if you don’t believe in it then you’re not going anywhere. I believe I’m one of the best fighters in Britain.”
Eric Donovan: “I think he can be a star, he’s at a good age and with a great team behind him. But I have no doubt in my mind that the 14th of August is my time. I’m only the B side because he’s a Matchroom fighter on a Matchroom show. But he has never boxed anyone like me before, he’ll soon find out A B are only letters in the alphabet. I rate him highly, he’s a solid opponent and at a great level. I’m looking forward to the test.”
