By Jake Donovan
PHILADELPHIA--At the time of his breakout win over Ivan Redkach, the goal for Tevin Farmer was to move toward a world title shot. When reality sat in that he'd have to wait in line, his next mission was to ensure that he'd fight at least four times in 2016.
It required his having to fight twice in the past two months, but the Philly-proud super featherweight hits his four-pack Friday evening as he faces Dardan Zenunaj in a 10-round regional title fight Friday evening at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
"It was very important to get that fourth fight," Farmer (23-4-1, 5KOs) told BoxingScene,com of remaining active. "Now I get to end this year with a bang and also defend my (NABF) title for the first time."
Farmer - who has won 16 straight dating back to 2012 - began his 2016 campaign with a title-lifting effort over former world champ Gamaliel Diaz in March. Long a victim of boxing's politics, Farmer was forced to overcome some strangely close scoring in taking a 10-round decision win.
There was nothing suspect about his next fight, registering his biggest win to date as he manhandled Redkach in their Showtime-televised clash in Brooklyn, New York When big fights failed to surface on the heels of the win, Farmer decided to return to his roots. Friday's bout will mark his second straight at the 2300 Arena, remaining active in his community in ensuring that his local fans get in on the ground level as big plans are in store for 2017.
"I want people to come out," said Farmer, who did his part to help fill the arena for fight night. "It's gonna be a good show and I want to see the fans come out in Philly."
If all goes as planned - both on Friday and in the weeks to come - there's a chance he will have to hit the road for the next level.
"World title, that's my expectation (for 2017)," Farmer said of the new year. "A world title shot for sure. It don't matter which champ or where it takes place. I just want a title around my waist when we talking this time next year."
Twitter: @JakeNDaBox_v2
