Ryan Farrag believes he is levels above Marcel Braithwaite ahead of their clash for the vacant Commonwealth super-flyweight title on Friday night.
A pro since 2010, Farrag will enter the ring at the Eventim Olympia on the back of two straight victories against Elvis Guillen and Georgi Georgiev. And the 35-year-old, who trains under former world champion Derry Matthews, believes he will have too much for Braithwaite.
He said: "Marcel has been mixing it lately with some of the best, so I see this as a big test. I won’t be overlooking him by any means, and I’m expecting a tough night’s work.
"It’s definitely going to be a great fight to watch. I don’t know what kind of Marcel will turn up, but, from what I’ve seen, he likes to have a go – and so do I!
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"So, it’s definitely going to be fireworks. A fight between us has been talked about before, and with the whole Scouse derby thing, it’s always been an exciting fight, but I just believe I’ll be a couple of levels above him.
"My experience will be important; he’s a good fighter, but I feel he’s where I was maybe six years ago.
"It’s been great working with Derry [Matthews]. I feel like my fitness has been something I’ve needed to improve in the past, and that box has been ticked now.
"And obviously, Derry has all the experience, so when it comes to help in a fight, he has answers because he’s been there and done it.
"The Olympia is a great venue, and wherever you are in there, you always get a great view. I love the atmosphere in there; everyone’s close together.
"It’s definitely going to be a good night; people are going to enjoy it. I’m going back to my grass roots by fighting in Liverpool again, and there’s nothing like fighting in your home city.
"I’ve been living a good life the last few years, and I honestly feel better than I’ve ever felt. I’m eating and training better, and I feel young and fresh.
"I’m just looking at this fight against Marcel, but I know I’m in good hands with Dennis [Hobson] and Stephen [Vaughan] and I’ll let them concentrate on the future. I’ll do what I do best and perform on the night."
Braithwaite, on the other hand, says facing the best version of Farrag will make victory over him even better for him.
Braithwaite will be getting a second bite of the cherry when he competes for the title, having faced Ijaz Ahmed in March for the same belt, when a split decision draw meant neither man could take home the vacant crown.
"I’ve been aware of Ryan; he’s from Liverpool, and he’s done well. I’ve got lots of respect; he’s a good fighter," the 29-year-old said.
"He’s been a European champion before, and he’s operated at a good level, but I have too. He says he’ll be the ‘best Ryan Farrag’ that we’ve seen, so that’s what I’m expecting.
"That’ll make for a better fight and a better win for me. So, I’m well prepared and looking forward to it. I’m in a good place and am going to enjoy every step of the way.
"It’s a quality fight for Liverpool, and it’s one everyone wants to see. It’s going to be a good night. It does mean something that we’re both from Liverpool too; it is just a fight, but it adds to it and makes it even more exciting.
"I’m sure it’ll mean there’s even more of an atmosphere on the night. I feel like I’m seasoned now as a pro, and I think our styles will make for a very good fight; the crowd will be in for some real entertainment.
"I want to thank FightZone and Vaughan Boxing for this opportunity; it’s been one of my goals to win the Commonwealth, and I’m looking forward to getting my hands on that title!
"This belt can open lots of doors, but my feet are on the ground; just get the job done and have a nice Commonwealth belt."
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