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Better at Everything – Zelfa Barrett believes he is levels above “nice guy” Eric Donovan

Zelfa Barrett [23(14)-1(0)] hasn’t been immune to the Eric Donovan charm offensive and admits, so nice is the Kildare fighter, he doesn’t want to punch him in the face this week.

Donovan has revelled in the extra spotlight shone on him during fight week. The 35-year-old has made a fan of Eddie Hearn, further impressed Tony Bellew, and has secured the support of fight followers outside Ireland with his articulate and passionate approach throughout his media duties.

Fight Camp rival Barrett has also taken a shine to the the St Michael’s Athy graduate, so much so he’d prefer not to have to fight him tonight.

“There is no bad blood with Eric, heā€™s such a nice guy I almost donā€™t want to fight him!ā€, quips the new Matchroom signing.

Having a developed a grĆ” for the Irish featherweight champion won’t prevent the Manchester fighter from trying to get the job done and stealing back some of the limelight tonight.

The 27-year-old respects his opponent, but certainly isn’t blown away by the European and EU medal winner.

As a result, he is confident of starting his Matchroom career on a positive note in Essex tonight.

ā€œBut letā€™s be real, I believe Iā€™m better than him at everything. Heā€™s not stronger than me, heā€™s not faster than me, thereā€™s nothing he does that is better than me.”

ā€œAnd thatā€™s not me being arrogant, thatā€™s just honesty. Heā€™s got nothing where I think: ā€˜wowā€™.”

“The only thing heā€™s had, and I will applaud him for it, is his amateur experience. Iā€™ll shake his hand for that,” he noted before questioning Donovan’s pro pedigree.

“But as a pro, any fighter he has fought, Iā€™d knock them out. Period. End of story.”

ā€œThere are levels in this boxing game. I donā€™t underestimate him, but I know what I need to do. Eric is trying to stop my journey and I wonā€™t let it happen.ā€

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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