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Coleman Barrett believes he is in the best condition ever and ready to cause a massive upset by winning Friday’s Prizefighter Heavyweights III.
Barrett, 26, is one of eight heavyweights vying for £32,000 in Barry Hearn’s latest Prizefighter event, which will be staged at the ExCel Arena in London.
The competition features current British Champion Danny Williams and former Olympic gold medalist Audley Harrison, but Barrett insists he can take the glory.
“This is the biggest opportunity of my life but I’m going to make the most of it and win it,” said Barrett, undefeated from his eight professional contests.
“I’m certainly capable of winning it – I know I’ve got the tools – and this is the right time for me. I’m up against some of Britain’s greatest heavyweights but I’m looking forward to meeting them.
“It’s only three rounds so you have to work really hard and fast so I think that will suit me well. I have youth on my side and the training, sparring and preparation has been going perfectly.
“I’m in great condition and in absolutely brilliant shape physically and mentally. I’ve trained very hard for the last eight weeks for Prizefighter and I’m ready for this.”
Barrett is a 25/1 outsider to win the event and has a tough opening fight against former British Champion Scott Gammer.
If Barrett, who hails from Galway, Ireland but has been training recently in Leeds and Reading, defeats Gammer he could meet Williams in the semi-finals.
Despite the tough-looking fights, Barrett insists he relishes the challenge.
“Both sides of the draw are tough and it’ll be a tough night of boxing no matter what side you’re on,” added Barrett. If you’re good enough you’re going to get through – and I know I’m good enough.
“I won five Irish titles as an amateur, a bronze medal at the World Championships and two ABA titles and that amateur pedigree will help me.
“This is something I have to do and this will lift my career higher than ever. Hopefully if I win this it will take me to fighting for titles shortly after.
“I don’t want to lose my undefeated record and I don’t expect to lose it.
“Everyone in this is a good fighter and I’m not taking anything away from them but I know I can win it.”
Prizefighter tickets are going fast but some are still available at £40 or £80 from See Tickets on 0871 220 0260, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. Every fight will be screened live on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports HD 2 from 9pm on Friday.
The quarter-final draw is: 1. Scott Gammer (Pembroke Dock, Wales) v Coleman Barrett (Galway, Ireland), 2. Danny Williams (Brixton) v Carl Baker (Sheffield), 3. Audley Harrison (London / California) v Scott Belshaw (Lisburn, Northern Ireland), 4. Neil Perkins (Birmingham) v Danny Hughes (Sunderland).
