Jack Rafferty exclusive: I’m going to make a name for myself

British and Commonwealth super lightweight champion, Jack Rafferty, can see the Manchester’s Co-Op Live arena from his city centre apartment. His gym is around one mile from the massive new venue.

On Saturday night, Rafferty, 25-0 (16 KOs), boxes at the Co-Op for the second time in two months when he defends his Commonwealth title against undefeated southpaw, Cory O’Regan, 14-0 (3 KOs). For all the latest fight odds, visit our sportsbook.

After spending years hoping somebody would take a chance and pluck him from the small halls, Rafferty has taken to life as a television fighter and enjoys being on the big stage. He has no intention of making any mistakes having come this far.

“I’m going on to bigger, better things”

“I’m going to make a name for myself in Manchester. I’m going to make that Co-Op Live Arena my home,” he told 32Red.

“I’m going to make a name for myself there. I’m going to make a name for myself in Manchester and I’m going to go on to bigger and better things at The Finest Boxing Gym under my trainer, Steve Maylett.”

Rafferty has been busy. Last October he stopped the talented Henry Turner in exciting style to become the British champion and barely took any time off after walking down and stopping Reece MacMillan in seven rounds to defend his title in February.

As soon as he heard Queensberry were coming back to Manchester with a heavyweight spectacular, he got back in the gym and waited for a phonecall.

His efforts were rewarded and he has been firing on all cylinders ahead of the fight with the skilful O’Regan.

“Consistency is the only way to progress,” he said.

“I’ve jumped back in after the Henry Turner fight and straight into another British title fight and then straight into this fight and I feel I’m getting better. Everything’s coming together now.

“You’ve got to shine under the lights”

“I’m trying to make a name for myself. I’m doing the right things in the gym and that’s the only way to progress.

“You’ve definitely got to rise to the occasion. I like these big situations. I like being not exactly under pressure but having all the eyes are on you. You’ve got to shine under them lights and that’s what I want to do. I’ve got to rise to these occasions and that’s what I’ll be doing.”

In February, a big crowd filed into the Co-Op Live to watch Derek Chisora fight Otto Wallin. Rafferty was given a prime spot on the undercard and after beating MacMillan, he jumped up onto the ropes to celebrate and looked out into the crowd to see some of the great and good of British boxing applauding his performance.

It was a sign that years of hard work and effort are being rewarded and recognised.

“Yeah, there were superstars ringside all cheering. Everyone was jumping up, everyone shouting, ‘Oh Jackie Rafferty,’ he said.

“I’ve worked hard for it. I do the right things in the gym. I stay dedicated, I stay consistent and I’m getting the rewards of doing everything right.”

“More people are buying tickets. There’s people engaged. Everyone wants an interview, everyone wants to talk to you. I’ve got to keep doing the right things to keep getting in these right situations. I’ll say it again, I’ve got to listen to Steve, and I won’t go far wrong.”

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