World ranked super featherweight, Zelfa Barrett, returns to action in Dublin on November 25th and he will take on Romanian, Costin Ion (10-4-2, 5 KO’s).

It is a year since Barrett (29-2, 16 KO’s) stepped in on short notice to box Shavkat Rakhimov for the vacant IBF 130lb title. He impressed – dropping Rakhimov in the third – and led on points before before being stopped in the ninth. The Manchester fighter returned and outboxed Jason Sanchez on the undercard of the IBF title fight between Rakhimov and Joe Cordina in April and when Cordina outpointed the Tajik fighter, all signs pointed to an all British world title showdown later this year.

“Who said zelfa is s--t. Zelfa is a hard fight but unfortunately I ain’t getting paid enough for a hard fight” Cordina posted on his X account in July.

Instead, Cordina defends his belt against Edward Vazquez in Monaco this weekend.

With Cordina off the table, it was decided that Barrett would box before Christmas and then aim for a big fight early in 2024. A few opponents were rumoured but, finally, Ion was confirmed and ‘The Brown Flash’ will get the chance to put on a show on the undercard of the undisputed super lightweight rematch between Chantelle Cameron and Katie Taylor.

“I got the call that we’re fighting on November 25th and Costin Ion is a tough opponent. He boxed Aqib Fiaz. Aqib beat him but he put Aqib down. He caught him with a left hook. He’s no slouch, he’s not somebody I can think I’m gonna blow over because he’s still obviously dangerous,” Barrett told BoxingScene.

“It keeps me busy. I prepare for any fight like it’s a world title fight and I’m never out of the gym. There’s nothing I can really do about it. I can see it as a tick over fight before a big fight around March hopefully.

“I’m not expecting an easy fight. I always expect a tough fight and anybody who comes to fight me, comes to fight. Nobody lies down. I’m like a golden ticket. They know if they’ll beat me the doors will open.

“I always prepare to look spectacular but I’ll be aware of what he can do.”

Barrett will be watching when Cordina (16-0, 9 KO’s) defends his IBF title against Texan challenger, Vazquez (15-1, 3 KO’s) on Saturday but, for the time being at least, it seems like the trail has gone cold on the Welshman.

“Joe will beat this guy. Cordina’s a good fighter and he’ll beat this guy. That O’Shaquie Foster dude and Hernandez was a good fight last weekend. Maybe he’ll get a unification with him. I don’t know.

“I’ll keep knocking on the doors, don’t worry. I’ll keep beating whoever they put in front of me and we’ll get there.”