Super-featherweight contender Archie Sharp is expecting non-stop pressure when he faces former sparring partner Jeff Ofori at the BT Sport studios in Stratford on August 20.
Sharp (18-0, 9 KOs) will defend his WBO European title against Tottenham’s Ofori, a familiar face who helped him prepare for his crunch fight with Lyon Woodstock in 2018.
Ofori (10-2-1, 3 KOs) recently took part in MTK’s Golden Contract tournament where he reached the semi-final at 140lbs before being stopped in the sixth round by Ohara Davies last February.
Sharp can’t wait to return, having last seen action in December 2020 when he outscored Artjoms Ramlavs over 10 rounds. “I am buzzing to be back out and I’m looking forward to it, being top of the bill as well is nice to hear,” said Sharp. “I have just been playing it by ear during the lockdown when the whole world didn’t know where it was at. Now I have got a date I am off to Tenerife with the Walsh brothers to prepare me for the Ofori fight.
“To be honest with you, Jeff is a very nice fella and I know him and his trainer and have nothing but respect for them. I’ve sparred Jeff and it was him who prepared me for the Lyon Woodstock fight.
“So we’ve done some rounds together and he is very tough. He’s boxed up at a big weight against Ohara Davies, so it will be very interesting with him coming down to 9st 4lbs. I do know he is relentless, he comes forward, but in the last two years I have put on a lot of power and strength so it will be a good fight.
“I think this sort of fight, with our styles, will bring the best me out and that is why I wanted this fight because I am going to show everyone the real me. I have not really done that in previous fights.
“This sort of opponent will allow me to bring the best out of me,” added Sharp. “I don’t think he is the best I’ve had in terms of ability, but in toughness he is right up there for sure.
“It will be a very, very good fight for the fans watching and there will definitely be some fireworks. There will also be a masterclass from myself.”
