Press Release: Irish traveller Francis Barrett is steeling himself for a tough night this Friday when he defends his EU light welterweight title against Alan Bosworth at the Wembley Conference Centre on the Hennessy Sports ‘Born To Do It’ promotion This is going to be a real blood and guts affair,” predicted the 27-year-old, now based in Wembley.

“It’s going to be fought in the trenches and I know I wont be going home without suffering a few war wounds. Bosworth and I are very similar. We both only know way: forwards, and that is going to result in us meeting each other in the middle of the ring.

“A classic is on the cards. This is the kind of contest British Boxing needs. This is a real 50-50 fight. Two of the most honest professionals you could ever meet will be going at it hammer and tongs. I know I am going to have the edge though. I have the stamina and strength to ensure that I wont be the one backing down. I keep winning fights that I am supposed to lose, perhaps people will stop underestimating me soon!”

Galway born Barrett will have plenty of support to see him through.

Millions will be tuning in to BBC Grandstand at 1.10pm the following day back home in Ireland, where he became a household name for his amateur exploits. Even before he won an ABA title he was the feature of a Sundance Award Winning Feature Documentary. ‘Southpaw’ detailed his exploits at the Atlanta Olympics where he made history by carrying out the Tricolour at just the age of 18 and by taking part in a round with a world record number of punches thrown.

There will also be plenty of support for him in the Arena.

“If just my whole family turned up we could probably sell out the Conference Centre,” he joked. And that’s just my close family. I must have at least 200-300 cousins all living in the area. In terms of immediate family I have six brothers and seven sisters; its no wonder I can fight! Then there are all of my fellow Celtic supporters who turn out for me each and every time.

“Walking out on Friday night is going to be a real proud moment for me. There I will be, defending a title in my hometown for the first time. I have sold close to a 1000 tickets and I know that each and every one of those ticket holders will be singing the ‘Fields of Athen Rye.’ There is so much on the line as well. If I get through this I am real close to a shot for the European Title. Imagine how many tickets I could sell for that.”

‘Born To Do It’ takes place at the Wembley Conference Centre on Friday November 12th. The headline contest sees Junior Witter defend his European light welterweight title against Poland’s Krzystof Bienias. A full bill is available at www.HennessySports.com. Tickets are available on 0870 060 0870.