In February 2024, the former European 130-pound champion was below-par and outboxed over 10 rounds by future WBA titleholder Jazza Dickens. The result consigned the 33-year-old Mancunian to the shadows.

In the aftermath, Barrett (35-3, 18 KOs) made some difficult decisions.

He left his uncle and trainer Pat Barrett, moving across the city to join Joe Gallagher at the famous 'Champs Camp' gym while building himself towards campaigning at lightweight.

Barrett got down to work, waiting for the phone to ring. It didn't. He and Gallagher kept busy, learning how one another work but a small hall show here and a preliminary eight-round appearance there wasn't enough.

Now though, the former world title challenger has been given an opportunity back in the spotlight.

Armed with a MF Pro promotional deal and under Sam Jones' management, he will box former European lightweight titleholder Gavin Gwynne (19-4-2, 5 KOs).

The pair will feature on the undercard preceding Viddal Riley's European cruiserweight title defense against Seydi Coupe at London's Wembley Arena on November 14, live and exclusively on DAZN.

“I've just wanted one opportunity to remind everybody who I am and what I'm about,” Barrett told The Ring.

“I've not come across a fighter who’s been as harshly treated. No one's given me opportunities. Fighters have been beaten, got another opportunity and beat again. What about me?

“If there’s bad, there’s always good and the reason for it is because now, when I become a world champion, it’ll feel even sweeter.”

Over the past 20 months, the laid-back Barrett has been given a definite edge.

While happy MF Pro has put its trust in him, he's approaching this career phase believing he's only ever one poor performance away from being cast back into the wilderness.

Fighting Gwynne gives him the ideal opportunity to produce a meaningful win, but is also intent on reannouncing himself in spectacular fashion.

“A lot of people will pick him to beat me because they've not seen me on TV for that long,” he said.

“Now that I'm back and I'm getting this highlight knockout, my name will be back being talked about in British boxing. That's my aim and my goal. For people to be speaking about me and saying, “Wow. Did you see Zelfa? Look how fast he is. Did you see his left hook?”

“I'm excited, man.”