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‘For Sure It’s Must-Win’ – Jordan Gill and Zelfa Barrett Meet in Crucial Bout

Originally posted on Big Fight Weekend
By S Saadeq Ahmed | Last updated 4/12/24

Jordan Gill (28-2-1, 9 KOs) and Zelfa Barrett (30-2, 16 KOs) meet on April 13 in an all-British super featherweight clash.

The fight headlines a Matchroom Boxing event at the AO Arena in Manchester, England. DAZN will broadcast the April 13 card live around the world. The bout comes at a crucial stage for both fighters. A win will take the victor closer to a world title shot while a loss for either will be difficult to come back from. Gill and Barrett spoke at a press conference on Thursday, just days before they clash. Below is some of what they had to say.

Jordan Gill and Zelfa Barrett Meet in Crucial Bout

Jordan Gill

“It’s the biggest fight of my career so far,” said Gill. “I am super-chilled, we’re having a good time. We had a good time in Belfast, we’re having a good time in Manchester, it’s a good city. I’m just looking forward to fighting and rolling the dice again. I went to Belfast to fight Conlan, I’m coming to Manchester to fight Zelfa, I’m just enjoying myself and long may it continue.”

“For sure it’s must-win. If either of us want to fight for a world title, we’ve got to win this fight. That’s why it’s so exciting because there’s a lot on the line. It’s a fight everyone has been looking forward to, two Brits that are above British and European level, it makes it exciting, there’s a lot on the line for us both. When the fight was put to me, I said yes straight away. Not because I dislike Zelfa, I like him, he’s a good guy and I have respect for him and his team, but when we get in the ring on Saturday, the person you are fighting isn’t a person, they are just a target, and you have to go for that target.”

Hear Dan Rafael and TJ Rives speak on this fight and more on the latest “Big Fight Weekend Preview Podcast” by clicking the play button below.

Zelfa Barrett

“Jordan is a good fighter and he’s got a good team around him, but I believe I’m better than him in every way, shape, and form,” said Barrett. “He said he’s going knock me out, crazy, but we’ll see.”

“I’m expecting a great fight. He’s a good fighter and he’s got a new team around him, some tricks up his sleeve. I can just see what he comes out and brings, and I will adapt from that. I’m expecting a good fight, and there’s only one winner, and that’s me.”

“My left hook is crazy but we’re not relying on that. It’s hard work and dedication, but I’ve got the power to destroy him. He’s a good fighter, I’m not going to take that away from him, he’s going to be calculated, but there’s one winner and that’s me.”

Fight Prediction

Both fighters have had setbacks in their careers and will be looking for a win on Saturday. Gill has been open about his struggles outside the ring but appears more motivated than ever. Though he is the same height as Barrett, he will have a slight reach disadvantage. Barrett is also fighting at home and has a higher knockout percentage. Gill has some defensive holes that could spell trouble for him during the fight. However, his renewed determination and ability to get out of trouble should get him across the line. Expect Gill to win a close unanimous decision.

Other Fights to Look Out For

There are two world title fights on this card, one of which is a super bantamweight unification. Ellie Scotney (8-0, 0 KOs) will put her IBF title on the line against Segolene Lefebvre (18-0, 1 KO), who has her WBO strap at stake.

Rhiannon Dixon (9-0, 1 KO) will face Karen Carbajal (22-1, 3 KOs) for the vacant WBO lightweight title. The belt became vacant when Katie Taylor chose to remain at super lightweight.

Michael Gomez Jnr (20-1, 5 KOs) will defend his English super featherweight title against Kane Baker (19-10-2, 1 KO). This will be Gomez’s first defence of the strap.