By Simon Crawford
Manchester prospect Zelfa Barrett insists he will prove he is levels above Chris Conwell as he targets his first title as a professional next month.
The two Mancunian rivals will battle it out for the vacant English super-featherweight strap in Leeds on October 21, with 24-year-old Barrett defending an unblemished 18-0 record in the paid ranks, 11 wins coming inside the distance.
Conwell, 31, has suffered two defeats (9-2, 2KOs) but Barrett - nephew of former British and European light-welterweight champion Pat Barrett - will not be underestimating his opponent.
"I'm a fighter and a fight is a fight so I don't see it as a local derby. It's all about winning and I'm a winner," Barrett told Sportinglife.com.
"Winning has been driving me since I was a kid - you can have the toughest background or the easiest one, but as long as you have that will to win that's all that matters.
"I've known Chris for a good few years now and I remember him when he was on the amateur circuit.
"He'll be fit and I'm sure he'll bring his A game but he's not got what I've got - the flamboyancy and flair. I've got what he's got twice over - and more.
"I'm not underestimating him as I'm a smart guy and I'm not disrespecting him because I'm a nice guy, but in boxing you have to be honest and I feel that I am levels above him and I will show that on the night."
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Barrett has revealed he will be achieving one of the personal goals he has set for himself if he wins the English belt.
"I said that by the time I was 24, which I am now, I wanted to have won my first belt and now I have that opportunity," he said.
"I believe in God and I believe this is my plan in life. I've had a lot of learning fights but this time there is going to be a reward at the end of it - my first belt as a professional - and I'm treating it like a I would a world title fight.
"I prepare and prepare well for every single fight so it's just about getting it done now. I'll have my gameplan and I won't be doing anything new that I haven't done in my last 18 fights, apart from winning a belt which will be a nice achievement.
"After Chris, then I'm ready for anyone and everything."
Barrett is relishing the opportunity to showcase his talent on the undercard of Josh Warrington's IBF featherweight world-title eliminator against Denmark's Dennis Ceylan and is not fazed by the fierce Leeds-Manchester rivalry that could see him get a hostile reception.
"It's very exciting to be on one of Josh's bills," he said.
"I've been to them before and the atmosphere is mad! Hopefully I will be able to win some of the Leeds crowd over.
"But to be honest, I never see or hear the crowd once I'm ready to go. I'm happy to fight anywhere to get where I want to be."
