Marcel Braithwaite expecting the best version of Ryan Farrag
Marcel Braithwaite says facing the best version of Ryan Farrag will make victory over him even better, as the Scouse pair prepare to go head-to-head at the Liverpool Olympia on June 9th for the vacant Commonwealth Super Flyweight Title.
Braithwate versus Farrag forms part of a stellar card which is topped by local man Connor Butler and Birmingham's Matt Windle fighting for the Commonwealth and European Flyweight belts – with all the action broadcast LIVE AND FREE onFightzone, BBC iPlayerand the BBC Sport app and website.
A pro since 2010 and with 21 wins from 25 outings, former European Bantamweight king Farrag has experience on his side. The 35-year-old insists too that age is just a number and says he is the shape of his life after teaming up with former world title challenger, Derry Matthews.
Braithwaite won the English Super Flyweight Crown in 2019, before facing current world champ Sunny Edwards for his British belt in December of the same year. Despite losing on points, Marcel put in a battling performance that saw Edwards cut and on the deck – in a contest that raised the Liverpool man's stock.
With just three losses in 18 fights and having fought for the same Commonwealth Title in his last fight in March when a split-decision draw against Ijaz Ahmed meant neither man could take home the belt – Marcel, 'The Chosen One', believes he will claim the big prize, as well as local bragging rights, in front of a feverish crowd at the Olympia.
"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. 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."
Fight Academy's Dennis Hobson, who has steered numerous fighters onto world titles, said: "I can't wait for this one. This is already a cracking match for a meaningful title, but when you throw in that both Marcel and Ryan are from Liverpool – it just adds that extra bit of spice. Ryan is our man but this is a tough fight and Marcel will push him all the way.
"The top of the bill with Connor against Matt is another brilliant fight. Both of them have been in fight of the year contenders before, so when you put the pair of them together – and for the European Title – it means the crowd and viewers watching on BBC and Fightzone are guaranteed something special."