
A hurtful journey: How does it feel to break up with a boxer?
Elliot Worsell investigates the feelings triggered by a fighter leaving their once-trusted coach behind
Jordan Gill: record, next fight and profile →

Elliot Worsell investigates the feelings triggered by a fighter leaving their once-trusted coach behind

Zelfa Barrett returns to action this weekend as the world ranked junior lightweight looks to tee up a big 2025.

There is no climax in sport as dramatic and violent as the one-punch knockout. Angelo Leo was the latest orchestrator of such a finish when, on Saturday one fateful blow ripped Luis Alberto Lopez from consciousness in the 10th round of a nip-and-tuck battle. With the upset victory, inside Albuquerque’s Tingley Coliseum, Leo became the IBF featherweight champion and the final punch, a swirling left hook, is surely destined to take its place on highlight reels for years to come.

After Michael Conlan’s career was left in ruins, he began a search for answers. The Irish superstar took to the roads, running, spending time with his thoughts, his hopes and his shattered dreams.

Promoter Eddie Hearn said he will work towards negotiating a world title opportunity for Zelfa Barrett, 31-2, 17 KOs, against Lamont Roach Jr. after the Mancunian halted the in-form Jordan Gill, 28-3-1 9KOs, in 10 rounds at the AO Arena, Manchester.

Zelfa Barrett has had to be patient. There are only five miles between the Middleton Arena where Barrett made his professional debut and the AO Arena that so many of Manchester’s best fighters have headlined but ‘The Brown Flash’ has had to wait nine years for his opportunity to top the bill there. Barrett has had to be patient in the gym, spending countless hours drilling techniques and tactics time and time and time again until his uncle and trainer, Pat, is happy and the 30-year-old has also had to bide his time inside the ring, serving a long apprenticeship on the small hall circuit and then moving through the levels while waiting for a chance to prove himself capable of having a show built around him.

Zelfa Barrett scored possibly the biggest win of his career over a rejuvenated and determined Jordan Gill to win a slick and stylish clash and move closer to a world title fight.

Pat Barrett is happy. “That’ll do you,” he tells his nephew, Zelfa, after just a few rounds of sharp pad and tactical work. “Everything's good. Look at me. I can talk. I can smile. I’m sweating,” Barrett laughed as he sat by the side of the ring pedalling casually on an exercise bike. “I’m excited.” Ten days out from his fight with Jordan Gill, the 30 year old super featherweight is happy and relaxed.


Photos fromJordan Gill-Zelfa Barrett Final Press Conference