from the scene.. This content is protected British middleweight Darren Barker is on the verge of securing a second world title bout in a row with his team closing in on a shot at Mexican superstar Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. The Barnet fighter lost his unbeaten record in a courageous but unsuccessful challenge against Argentinian pound-for-pound favourite Sergio Martinez last month. After taking a short break, however, Barker is close to agreeing another shot at world honours and it is understood Chavez - whose father is one of the sport's all-time greats - is the most likely should he come through his fight against Peter Manfredo Jr this weekend. Barker's promoter Eddie Hearn is in advanced negotiations with Chavez's team - having also spoken to other world title holders. "We've been talking to several champions and we hope to announce something in the coming weeks for Darren's next fight," Hearn said. A second successive title shot would be a fitting reward for Barker after he made a name for himself in the United States with his performance against Martinez. The former amateur star was giving the South American all kinds of trouble at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, before the tide turned courtesy of Martinez's revered punch power. The Englishman had been a heavy underdog heading into that contest despite his unbeaten record but would face a far less daunting champion should he be granted a shot at Chavez. Essentially, Chavez's version of the WBC belt is an inferior version of the laughably-titled 'diamond' strap Martinez holds and is therefore not a bona fide world title. Yet the honour would earn Barker global recognition and open lucrative doors for the likeable Briton.
I'd be shocked if this comes off. Props to Hearn if it does. Barker would have to knock him out to win.
You'd fancy his chances against Pirog? I think he'd do well against Sturm, even in Germany after their reaction to the Macklin fight. Not seen much of Geale to be honest.
Be a good fight, Chavez Jnr another level above Barker, so i can't see the fight happening, no benefit to Chavez beating Barker. Makes me laugh how people ridicule him, guy has done nothing wrong beat everyone put in front of him, yeh hes had alot of fights against bums, but what has Barker beat ? Chavez beats Barker everytime.
well i remember i couple of fights (one cuello maybe?) that he lost, once in fact where his own crowd started to boo him so its stuff like that that makes people suspicious of him but hes actually a decent fighter. Im not sure if Barker has the quality to give Chavez such a clear enough beating to force the judges to give him it. basically that means if he didnt KO him he cant win. Surely Geale could be tempted over? How bout Frochs comeback fight (when he inevitably loses to Ward) on the undercard, Barker main event in the O2 against Geale. Could be a big night
He arguably lost to Vanda and Molina (twice) as well. I do think he gets a bit too much stick sometimes on here. He's not great but he's not completely **** either, Barker would be a good fight for him if he gets past Manfredo.