Anthony Crolla backs Zelfa Barrett in huge Jordan Gill clash - and as next face of Manchester boxing

Anthony Crolla thinks Zelfa Barrett can “carry the mantle” of the Manchester fight scene as he prepares for the biggest clash of his career at the AO Arena.

It is a crucial night when the Harpurhey born-fighter faces off with Jordan Gill with a shot at a world title likely awaiting the winner on Saturday night. 

Barrett has arguably placed himself at the top of the tree in Manchester and his meeting with Gill could see him cement the spot once held by Crolla before his retirement at the start of 2023. 

“I've known Zelfa a long time and I believe he is the lad that is to take on the mantle of topping bills at the arena when there is a bit of a gap,” former world lightweight champion Crolla, now a fast-rising trainer, said. “He’s just a lad of the estate and he can give those kids on the estate a lot of hope when they see him topping the bill at the arena.”

The occasion marks Barrett’s first headline slot at the city’s iconic arena having come through the small hall scene and venues like the Oldham Leisure Centre and the Castle Leisure Centre in Bury. 

Crolla added: “It’s massive. When Ricky Hatton was there that was always my dream. Zelfa has been in the changing room with me when I’ve been there and he’s been around these big nights and that will stand him in good stead.”

Having racked up two successive wins since his IBF World super-featherweight title defeat to Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in 2022, Barrett has put himself in line for another shot at world honours. 

Gill has similar aspirations having shocked Irish favourite Michael Conlan in Belfast last time out to put himself firmly back in the mix. 

Crolla added: “It will be a fantastic fight against Jordan. Listen I’m always going to back Zelfa but Jordan’s a fantastic fighter and I don’t think it will be a bad one. Jordan looks fantastic and think both will have their moments.”

The fight is expected to start at 10.30pm on Saturday night and will be available to watch on DAZN. The undercard features Crolla’s younger brother William and he will also be in the corner of Warrington’s Rhinanon Dixon when she faces Karen Carabajal for the vacant WBO World lightweight title. Elsewhere on the card, Manchester’s Michael Gomez Jnr defends his English super-featherweight title against Kane Baker.