Barker has Macklin in his sights

This is Hertfordshire4th June, 2009

BARNET boxer Darren Barker wants to prove beyond doubt that he is the best middleweight in the country by adding Matthew Macklin's British title to his Commonwealth crown.

The undefeated 27-year-old was punch perfect in defending his Commonwealth title at the Watford Colosseum recently, as he scored a one-punch stoppage win over Darren McDermott in a fight which doubled as a final eliminator for the British title.

Barker believes his clinical fourth-round victory over McDermott sent out a real statement ahead of a major domestic showdown with Macklin.

"I think I proved a lot of doubters wrong," Barker said.

"I know there were some people tipping McDermott to 'expose' me but I knew all along that I was on a different level to him and I think I answered a lot of questions with that win.

Now Barker has his sights set on Macklin who won the British title in March by stopping Wayne Elcock.

"I truly believe that I'm world class and in a different league to Macklin. Our records in the amateurs and the pro's prove that."

Barker was a Commonwealth gold medallist in the unpaid ranks and a vastly experienced international competitor.

Barker said: "Macklin says he's mixed it at a higher level but I was in a whole other league as an amateur. I'm the better boxer, I'm much bigger at the weight and I have proved that I have the power to take people out with one punch. Ultimately I believe I'm a premier league fighter and I don't think Macklin can say that."

While Barker wants a showdown with Macklin as soon as possible, he is concerned that the fight may not happen.

"I just hope that we can get the fight on now. You get people saying that we should wait another 12 or 18 months and build it into a bigger fight, but what's the point in waiting. It's a massive clash as it is, a British and Commonwealth title fight with both belts on the line, so hopefully we can get it on around September or October."

With plans already in place to establish domestic superiority before the end of 2009, Barker hopes to move on to the World stage next year.

"You never want to look too far ahead but I believe the middleweight division at world level is going to be wide open in the next 12 months or so and I believe I'll be peaking at just the right time to take advantage of that.

"I truly believe I can compete at the very highest level in the sport."