2002 Commonwealth Games Gold medallist Darren Barker still intends to take a step closer to challenging for the British light middleweight title on the Hennessy Sport "Twenty-Four" event at the York Hall in Bethnal Green on May 12th, despite the withdrawal of Darren Rhodes from their scheduled eliminator for the Championship. "Naturally, I’m disappointed that he’s pulled out," the 23-year-old said on hearing the news. "But it’s not the end of the world. I am still boxing next week and will hopefully still get at least another eight rounder under my belt."

That is all he feels he needs in order for him to be able to take his first step into Championship class

"I know I have only had nine professional fights, but I think I am almost ready to fight any of the British light middleweights," Barker continued.

"People talk about fighters being prepared to make a step up in class, but I think a lot of that is all psychological and I have always been very strong psychologically.

"I think if you have demonstrated that you are good enough at a certain level a few times, then you are good enough. It’s as simple as that. I don’t see the point in me hanging around fighting meaningless 6 rounders against journeyman; I’m not going to learn anything that way.

"I would have no worries about facing the winner of the Facey-Hall eliminator, (for the British title), straight after my next fight. I would be very, very confident going in against either.

"The only thing I may be lacking is a few rounds. It will be good to have another fight scheduled for at least 8 so that I can get more experience of pacing myself differently, even if it doesn’t go all the way."

With that behind him, he would also be confident of a win over current British champion Jamie Moore, who is next scheduled to defend against Matthew Macklin.

"I would be comfortable fighting Jamie, or Matthew should he get the title," Barker added. "I think that both are good fighters, but they have reached their level. I am on my way up and going past that level; onto Commonwealth, European and I think world titles."

To stand him in good stead for his assault on the traditional title path always advocated by Hennessy Sports, the Chelsea fan recently headed out on training camp to Tenerife with trainer Tony Sims and gym-mate Dave Stewart. Whilst conditioning has never been an issue, he still found room

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