Unbeaten Shaw prospect Jack Rafferty insists he is more than ready for the next stage of his boxing career.

Having won all 12 of his fights, seven victories coming via knockout, the 24-year-old now wants to be in the mix for domestic titles.

The welterweight has passed every test put in front of him so far but having signed with MTK Global, the management company who look after Tyson Fury and other top stars, a step up in opposition is firmly in Rafferty’s sights.

The ‘Demolition Man’ is gaining more confidence every day training alongside stable-mates Terry Flanagan, a former world champion at lightweight, and Liam Taylor at Steve Maylett’s gym in Manchester.

“Since I’ve joined up with Steve I feel I’ve come on leaps and bounds,” Rafferty said. 

“I know I’ve still got plenty left to learn though. There’s plenty left in the tank.

“Now I think with the platform I’ve got, I’m more than ready to get these better fights and the titles that come along with them.

“I’m more than ready to step into 50-50 fights. It’s what I want. I want to show what I’m about.

“I know I’m ready, Steve knows and it’s now all about showing it in the ring. I can’t wait to get going again.

“I feel I’m in a position now to get the fights that I need.”

As for everyone in the country, being a fighter during pandemic restrictions has presented challenges.

Rafferty has kept himself going though and is eager to return as soon as possible, with all events currently behind closed doors, something that doesn’t faze him.

“I’ve still been training, still been ticking over and it has been good to get some family time and spend some quality time with them,” he told MTK Global. “It’s nice to get back into routine though. 

“I’ve had it (fighting without a crowd) in the amateurs.

“Once you’re in the zone you don’t listen to that anyway. I know I’ll be ready and that won’t affect me whatsoever.”

With a stable of more than 300 fighters, joining MTK presents some interesting opportunities for Rafferty.

He joins training partners Manchester’s Flanagan and Middleton’s Taylor with the management group as he looks to make his way through the British ranks at 147lb.

“It would nice for us all to get on the same show under that platform, it would be mint,” Rafferty said. 

“I’m learning off Terry and Liam and we’re all boosting each other along.

“It’s great. We all click, they’re top lads and are nice to train with.

“MTK have got a lot of welterweights who I would like to fight and if they’re under the same roof as me then the fights will be easier to make.

“There’s some good up-and-comers and some top champions and I want to be up there.”