Barker has Macklin in his sights

Setanta Sports Alex livie2nd June, 2009

Darren Barker has told Setanta Sports that he is ready to take Matthew Macklin's British middleweight crown.

Barker has Macklin in his sights after his impressive victory over Darren McDermott in May.

As ever, there are issues to be ironed out in order for the fight to take place but Barker has his fingers crossed that the two parties can find some common ground.

"He has to defend his title by September," Barker, the Commonwealth champion, said on Setanta. "The fight has got to happen ASAP. Fight fans want to see it happen, he has a good following and I have a good following. Fingers crossed it can happen."

It could be the end of the year before the fight takes place, but Barker feels it would not be a handicap if he remained inactive.

He added: "For me my sparring in the gym is second to none, I have some fantastic sparring partners, so it would not be a problem if I did not fight again before then.

"I will have a holiday next week before getting back in the gym and waiting for this fight to happen."

The Barnet man is intent on proving he is the best of British, but he has designs on stepping up to the world stage.

"I'd like to think I'm in the same league as the likes of Pavlik, but maybe not right now," he added.

"My career has gone perfectly, so far. I don't want to look too far and want to win the British title, that would be a dream come true. Winning the British would be bigger than any world title at the minute.

"But not overlooking Macklin, getting in the ring with Kelly Pavlik would be unbelievable."

Barker expanded on his ideal venue, saying: "I'd like it to happen at Alexandra Palace."

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