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Undefeated middleweight “Dazzling” Darren Barker will finally get the chance to add the British title to his Commonwealth crown next month when he meets former champ, Wayne “Mad Dog” Elcock for the vacant British title.
The two men will clash live on ITV4 in the headline bout on a Hennessy Sports event at the Brentwood Centre in Essex on Saturday, November 28th.
Chelsea fanatic Barker has been left waiting for his chance at winning a Lonsdale belt ever since then champion Matthew Macklin vacated the title to challenge for European honours rather than face the unbeaten Barnet man.
“I’m over the moon to have a date and a name now to focus on,” said Barker. “To fight for the British title is a huge honour and it’s something I’ve dreamed of ever since I was a kid and to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt would definitely be a huge thing for me in my career.”
Over the years British boxing luminaries such as Howard Eastman, Herol Grahan, Alan Minter, Terry Downes and Ted “Kid” Lewis have all held the British Middleweight title. Birmingham puncher Elcock is another former Lonsdale belt holder who will be desperate to regain the title he lost earlier this year.
“Elcock will obviously be fired up for this one because it’s a big chance for him to get back on top again,” said Barker. “I’ve a lot of respect for him, he was a great British Champion, he’s beaten some good men and he’s challenged for the World title so you have to respect that kind of pedigree. With that being said I know what I’m capable of and I’m confident I can take the title next month.”
With the previous incumbent Matthew Macklin having gone on to win the European title Barker feels there is definitely unfinished business between the two. “Macklin’s done well to pick up the European title and that’s a fight I definitely want. I know 100% that I’d beat Macklin and I know I’ll prove that when I finally get in the ring with him.”
For now though Barker is fully focused on adding the Lonsdale belt to the Commonwealth title he has held for the past 2 years. “This is a very important fight for me. Once I get past this there should be an awful lot of routes open to me. There’s the European title but the World scene in general is wide open right now and I believe I’m fast approaching my prime.
“I look at some of the World Champions out there and I’d really fancy my chances against them but that’s all for the future. Right now I just need to keep my feet on the ground and focus on next month because I can’t afford to look past Wayne Elcock.”
The undercard for next month’s event at the Brentwood Centre will feature Colchester’s Lee Purdy defending his Southern Area Welterweight title against Wokingham’s Mark Douglas. Waltham Abbey middleweight Daniel “Mr. Slick” Cadman will also end a three year hiatus from the ring when he fights on the undercard alongside bouts featuring exciting light middleweight Yassine El Maachi and unbeaten prospects Bradley Evans, Bobby Ward, Phill Fury and Steve Barnes.
Tickets for the bout priced £30 and £80 go on sale tomorrow morning from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.
