Overlooking Barker Could Dazzle Martinez

　

　

Two time European champion Darren Barker will be packing his over night bag with Eddie Hearn and the team July 20^th when they make their way to New York City for the first face to face press conference with 47-2-2 WBC Diamond Middleweight champion Sergio Martinez.

As the build up begins boxing fans and boxing experts are already having their say and it does not make good reading for team barker thus far. Many feel the Barker v Martinez fight has only been made to keep Martinez busy whilst waiting for Charvez Jr, Miguel Cotto or Antonio Margarito to make themselves available to fight the argentine.

Not all boxing heads are as cynical nor as quick to draw fire on Darren Barker’s chances on October 1^st at Boardwalk Hall, New Jersey. I have been looking at some of the fan’s reactions to this fight from across the pond and have been pleasantly surprised. Darren Barker will hardly be a household name in the USA unless you’re a Silver Dukes Boxing fan but word is spreading stateside and there are those that have taken note of Dazzling Dal’s showdown with the 2^nd ranked pound 4 pound fighter in the world.

One fan quoted “Martinez looks amazing against average fighters but ordinary against a skilful fighter” another saying “Barker has some real boxing skills and will cause Martinez some problems”

The skills Darren possesses may well cause problems for Martinez. Barker is somewhat of a 12 round specialist and on his ring return back in April against hard hitting Italian Domenico Spada Darren’s full fitness was questioned prior to the fight yet Barker comfortably lasted 12 rounds and out pointed Spada.

I followed the early stages of negotiations of this fight and must admit I thought “what a great opportunity for Darren” and though I stand by my claim as we get closer to the fight and news of press conferences I am starting to get a worried for our own Darren Barker as either way you look at it, it’s going to be tough and the training camp will have to be perfect.

Many would argue Barker has not faced anyone with the power of Martinez and many more would not argue with that claim but Barker has a good boxing brain and I believe the tactics will be right on the night. Do I think Barker will win? It is too early to say, do I think Barker can win? Most certainly.