Hearn backs Zelfa Barrett ‘to look good’ against Eric Donovan

Eddie Hearn is not only backing Zelfa Barrett to look good against Eric Donovan, he expects the Commonwealth champion to become a Manchester star.

Irish featherweight champion, Donovan has been handed a massive breakthrough chance on the second of the Fight Camp cards.

The 34-year-old Mark Dunlop managed fighter moves up a weight to fight the new Matchroom signing live on Sky Sports and DAZN on August 14 – and if the Kildare fighter was in any doubt he was the B side he won’t be when he hears Hearn’s plans for his opponent.

The Matchroom boss is hoping ‘Brown Flash’, 26, could replace the likes of Anthony Crolla as a star of a city.

“I really like him and I think he has all the ability to be the new star in the City of Manchester,” Hearn told British Boxers.

“You saw over the last six months, Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg both depart from the sport, two guys that have consistently been the biggest ticket sellers in Manchester. Now you have two guys in Aqib Fiaz, who is a massive ticket seller and Zelfa Barrett with his story, his look and his style, who can be big stars in Manchester.”

Barrett’ Matchroom debut comes against former Irish amateur standout Donovan.

Hearn admits it’s his new fighter faces a skilled and motivated fighter, but believes Barrett will look the part against a European Championship medal winner.

“This is a really tough contest for him against Eric Donovan, who was a fantastic amateur and sees this is a golden opportunity, but Zelfa can come in and look good.”