THAMESMEAD boxer Ryan ‘The Attitude’ Barrett defends his lightweight international masters title for the first time on Saturday at York Hall in Bethnal Green.

Barrett claimed the title from Mark Alexander with a first round stoppage in September and now the 27 year-old faces Almin Kovacevic from Croatia, who has nine wins from 15 bouts with one draw.

However, there is much more than a title at stake, according to the Thamesmead ace.

Barrett said: “If I don’t win this fight, my career is over.

“I cannot afford to lose, I won’t lose. I don’t know anything other than his record but I’m confident I will beat him.

“From what I can see he’s short, and that’s about all I know other than his record.

“If he is strong, I will out-box him. If he is a boxer, I will out-strengthen him.”

Not only is Barrett risking his career but because he has been unable to be matched with anyone in this country, he is dipping into his own pocket for the unknown Croatian to fly over.

He added: “I’m paying for him to stay here, his flights, the lot. I could come out of this with no title and no money.

“I have trained really hard for 10 weeks and could end up being a waste of time. I may not even be able to take the missus to Westfield and treat her to a handbag.

“But I know that I can beat him.

“I’d like it to last longer than the last one, to get the rounds, but I will win either way.”

After this weekend’s fight, Barrett has his sights set getting back to the high level domestic scene.

“I’m fully focused on this fight, but once I’ve won this I want to be in with a shot at the English and the British titles,” he said.

In between his own training, Barrett coaches an array of talented amateur boxers along his father, Steve, at his gym in Bexley Road.

He added: “We’ve got a lot of good young kids from juniors up to seniors.

“We’ve got our Christmas show two days after my fight on the Monday, so it’s always busy and there’s a great atmosphere here. It will be a great night.”

Tickets for the York Hall show can be bought from Ryan or Steve Barrett at Gumshield Gym, 184 Bexley Road, Eltham, online at gumshieldgym.com or by calling 020 8859 8808.

The tickets are priced at £60 for ringside and £35 for unreserved.

Meanwhile, tickets for next Monday’s Eltham Christmas show are also available.

You can pay £10 just for entry to the event or £40 for a four-course meal and ringside seat.

These can also be purchased from the same sources as the Bethnal Green fight.