Jack Rafferty vs Ekow Essuman: “Demolition Man” Targets Statement Win at Welterweight

Jack Rafferty is prepared to use the biggest stage of his career to show people exactly why he’s called the “Demolition Man”.

This Saturday, Rafferty (26-0-1) takes on Ekow Essuman (22-2) in the co-main event of Don’t Blink: Wardley vs Dubois at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena, headlined by the WBO heavyweight title clash between Fabio Wardley and David Adeleye.

Welterweight Debut

A former British and Commonwealth super lightweight champion, Rafferty steps up to welterweight (147lbs) for the first time in his professional career.

Speaking to Combat Evolved during a recent Reprimo photo shoot ahead of Saturday night’s showdown with Ekow Essuman, Rafferty explained why the move to welterweight feels long overdue.

He said: “The move to welterweight was more than welcome. I feel like super-lightweight wasn’t showing the best of Jack Rafferty.

“Do I believe welterweight will do it? I do. I’ve got the physique for it, the strength for it — welterweight will be my division.”

Proving He Belongs at World Level

Do not mistake Rafferty’s eagerness to test himself at welterweight as dissatisfaction with his achievements at super lightweight.

The undefeated Manchester fighter spent years grinding through small hall boxing shows, building experience the hard way before eventually capturing British and Commonwealth honours.

While speaking to Dev Sahni, Rafferty revealed that he once used money from his late mother’s inheritance to secure opponents early in his career, crediting her support as a major reason for the fighter he has become today.

That hard graft led to multiple domestic titles at super lightweight, including victories over previously unbeaten fighters Henry Turner and Cory O’Regan.

Now competing in what he believes is his natural weight class, Rafferty sees the Ekow Essuman fight as the perfect opportunity to prove he belongs at world level.

He said: “Essuman has only fallen short against world level operators, there’s no shame in that. But I’ll be showing him why I’m a world level operator on Saturday night.

“This is a massive fight on a massive show. Beating Essuman will put me one step closer to my goal. It’s not just a big fight at 147lbs, it’s pushing onto bigger and better things once I defeat him.”

Statement Opportunity

Rafferty’s last outing came against fellow Brit Mark Chamberlain in Manchester for the British and Commonwealth super lightweight titles.

The pair produced a brutal 12-round war that many labelled a Fight of the Year contender. Bloodied and exhausted, both men heard the final bell before the contest was ultimately ruled a majority draw.

The Mancunian had not heard the final bell in six fights prior to that night and had never previously recorded a draw in his professional career.

Now, Rafferty plans to rebound with a statement performance against one of British boxing’s most respected welterweights.

“I’m going in there to show the best Jack Rafferty, and that Rafferty will do the job on Essuman. People compare those world level operators to me, and after Saturday they’ll compare them to me.”

With 17 knockout victories already on his résumé, adding Essuman to that list would arguably be the biggest win of Rafferty’s career so far.

“I know what this fight brings and what beating him could push me towards. But right now, I’m locked in on beating him, doing a job on him and making a statement.”

Returning Home

The “Demolition Man” will once again fight in Manchester in front of a home crowd, marking the seventh time in his professional career that he has competed in his own city.

When asked whether performing in front of a packed Manchester crowd adds pressure, Rafferty insisted it only fuels his motivation.

“No, I’ve got a massive Rafferty army there cheering me on. I’ve worked hard in the gym, I know what I need to do, and I won’t be letting the fans down.”

Rafferty’s Manchester return will also see him compete for the vacant WBA Continental Gold Championship, adding another major opportunity to an already pivotal night in his career.

And if his prediction proves accurate, fans at the Co-op Live Arena may once again discover exactly why he earned the nickname “Demolition Man”.

“On Saturday night, they’ll see why the demolition man does demolition jobs.”