I don't see why he can't progress further. Knowing Mick he will have him going for the Losdale outright.... But the division isn't great right now, perfect time to step up rather than waiting for Williams to thrash everyone.
Yeah but there are a lot of good prospects coming through and I'm not convinced Barker is the best of them. I reckon Macklin might lose to Pirog and then the fight with Barker will suddenly be on the radar.
I'm not saying he is a world beater by any means, but is he going to improve much at his age? He is a nice boxer, good jab, uses both hands etc, I say stick him in if a fight can be made. ****ing about at domestic level doesn't do any fighter any favours, they just get sloppy. Better to try and lose than never try at all.