Wayne Elcock thrilled at British title tilt

Birmingham Mail Ian Johnson24th October, 2009

WAYNE Elcock couldn't wait to phone me. He is fighting Darren Barker for the British middleweight title on November 28.

"Where" I asked? "Blimey. I don't know. Paddy Lynch was just getting on a plane when he phoned and I didn't have time to ask.

''Promoter Mick Hennessy is staging the fight. Give him a ring and he'll tell you,'' said excited Elcock.

I did and was told that the venue will be announced on Monday. It is not likely to be in Birmingham or Watford and another stadium in London is favourite. "Mad Dog" added: "It's fantastic news and if it's not going to be in Birmingham then I don't care where it is.

"All I know is that this is last-chance saloon for me. Losing is not an option. But I have won the Lonsdale Belt once and defended it once against Darren McDermott. There is nothing I want more now than to get it back. I lost it to Matthew Macklin so the belt stayed in Birmingham which was great.

''But then he had to give it up to fight for and go on to win the European title. It is my responsibility to bring it back to Birmingham where it belongs. Darren Barker, who had already won the Commonwealth title, strengthened his claims for a shot at the British belt by beating Darren McDermott in Watford with a stoppage at the end of the fourth round. That was an impressive win and I know what I am up against but I have five weeks to get myself into tip-top shape.

"That won't be difficult because I have been working hard in the gym ever since I lost to Macklin. Roll on November 28. I cannot wait."

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