THAMESMEAD world champion Ryan Barrett is set to take on Hungary’s Gergo Vari at the Camden Centre later this month.

Barrett, 31, took the vacant WBU welterweight title in Germany before Christmas, avenging a previous loss to Geoffrey Munika with a third round knockout.

But he will be back on home turf on February 21 against a rival who boasts 11 wins from a 15-fight career and the Thamesmead boxer admits he is putting his career on the line.

He said: “I have to keep upping my game and keep winning.

“If I lose again I will call it a day. I train a few lads at the Gumshield Gym in Eltham and will concentrate on training them when I retire.

“But I feel as though I have a few good fights left in me yet.”

Barrett has had a good career, winning the English title and challenging for British and world honours, but claims he has been frozen out in the UK.

He said: “I don't get many opportunities to box in Britain anymore, and that’s why I’ve had to take fights abroad.

“I know I’m not going to get another shot at the English or British titles, and I don't know why. I just don’t seem to get a fair crack of the whip in Britain.

“Even at the height of my career I didn’t get any recognition. I remember being ranked number five in Britain and I still didn’t get a crack at a title.

"My ambition was always to win the British title, I always wanted to put that Lonsdale belt around my waist.

“But I’m not going to get another shot at it, so I have taken another route instead.”

Barrett added: “I’m a fighter and will fight anyone, but I deserve a few weeks to prepare.

“Apart from Mickey Helliet not many of the promoters could put together fights which made sense to me, so I’m glad our paths crossed.

“Apart from Kell Brook, there’s nobody in England who I wouldn't fancy taking on.”

For ticket information on Barrett’s fight with Vari at the Camden Centre on February 21, call 07984 723720.

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