Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez vs. Darren Barker Saturday October 1st

Update to fight thread:

Darren Barker is a Brit fighter with a nice record, ( 23 - 0 (KO 14) but against home grown opposition in the UK, it figures to be an easy night for Sergio, but we shall see. The card should start with Vera vs. Lee @ 10:00 PM EST, tonight here in North America. That means the fights won't be shown (on sky?) until 3:00 or 4:00 AM in the UK/Europe Sunday morning, sorry mates.

October 1
At Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO): Sergio Martinez vs. Darren Barker, 12 rounds, for Martinez's Ring magazine middleweight title; Brian Vera vs. Andy Lee, rematch, 10 rounds, middleweights.

tonights the night, let's rock and roll.

I'm looking forward to this fight. Obviously Barker is a huge underdog, but he will have a decent natural size advantage. He's the first natural middleweight Martinez has faced since Pavlik, and I'm not sure how close Pavlik was to his best that night, I think he had slipped quite badly personally.

Barker came back from a year out to beat Domenico Spada in a rather scrappy affair. Spada pushed Zabek pretty hard over two fights though, presumably coming close to beating first time around hence the rematch being made, (not seen the fights personally) and Zabek looked pretty decent against Chavez Jr, and in the eyes of some should have won that fight (I thought Chavez nicked it for the bodywork though)

So I'd say he's probably about as good as Chavez Jr and Zbik, which is current world level at middleweight. I'd give him a good shot to bear Chavez Jr and Sturm so he's a credible opponent for Martinez imo.

That said, he would need an outstanding night, and a lot of luck, to beat Martinez who is clearly considerably better than Chavez and Zabek.

My prediction is he puts in a very game performance, frustrates Martinez and catches him several times but will lose a unanimous decision. I'm thinking Kessler Calzahghe, style competitive. 117-111 116-112 type fight.

I'd be impressed if Martinez got him out of there though, I'm expecting a 12 round fight although Barker will likely get stopped by the referee as soon as he's in trouble, that's always the concern in fights like this, when the challenger, or less favoured guy, is given very few chances.

I think Bilbo is slightly higher on Barkers chances than is merited but a lot of what he said is fair enough. Barkers 2 European fights were stern tests for him and he got on his bike quite a lot in both also, wasnt very impressive.

I think Martinez's power is being a little over rated on the back of his last 2 performances but I would still favour the stoppage for this one rather than the distance. However a 12 round show wouldnt surprise me from Barker but I would be surprised if he won any more than a couple of rounds in doing so.

Barker can go the distance if he looks more towards survival in the second half of the fight. If he gives it a real go ala Macklin against Sturm, I see him getting stopped.

Bookies best odds for the method of victory for Martinez are

8/13 Stoppage
9/4 Points

Presumably Bilbo will be all over that 9/4. My own odds would be more like 5/6 stoppage, 7/4 pts fwiw.

Btw I hope Martinez's next fight is against Macklin, that would be a fantastic fight while it lasted (Macklin would get KO'd at some point)

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Originally Posted by J_C

I think Bilbo is slightly higher on Barkers chances than is merited but a lot of what he said is fair enough. Barkers 2 European fights were stern tests for him and he got on his bike quite a lot in both also, wasnt very impressive.

I think Martinez's power is being a little over rated on the back of his last 2 performances but I would still favour the stoppage for this one rather than the distance. However a 12 round show wouldnt surprise me from Barker but I would be surprised if he won any more than a couple of rounds in doing so.

Barker can go the distance if he looks more towards survival in the second half of the fight. If he gives it a real go ala Macklin against Sturm, I see him getting stopped.

Bookies best odds for the method of victory for Martinez are

8/13 Stoppage
9/4 Points

Presumably Bilbo will be all over that 9/4. My own odds would be more like 5/6 stoppage, 7/4 pts fwiw.

Btw I hope Martinez's next fight is against Macklin, that would be a fantastic fight while it lasted (Macklin would get KO'd at some point)

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I'm not saying that is unlikely, but I think if it comes it will be a soft referee stoppage, a cut that isn't that bad, Barker getting staggered etc.

I'm not expecting Martinez to KO him at all.

Andy Lee v. Brian Vera to open up isn't a bad undercard either.

Martinez stops him in 9.

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

I'm looking forward to this fight. Obviously Barker is a huge underdog, but he will have a decent natural size advantage. He's the first natural middleweight Martinez has faced since Pavlik, and I'm not sure how close Pavlik was to his best that night, I think he had slipped quite badly personally.

Barker came back from a year out to beat Domenico Spada in a rather scrappy affair. Spada pushed Zabek pretty hard over two fights though, presumably coming close to beating first time around hence the rematch being made, (not seen the fights personally) and Zabek looked pretty decent against Chavez Jr, and in the eyes of some should have won that fight (I thought Chavez nicked it for the bodywork though)

So I'd say he's probably about as good as Chavez Jr and Zbik, which is current world level at middleweight. I'd give him a good shot to bear Chavez Jr and Sturm so he's a credible opponent for Martinez imo.

That said, he would need an outstanding night, and a lot of luck, to beat Martinez who is clearly considerably better than Chavez and Zabek.

My prediction is he puts in a very game performance, frustrates Martinez and catches him several times but will lose a unanimous decision. I'm thinking Kessler Calzahghe, style competitive. 117-111 116-112 type fight.

I'd be impressed if Martinez got him out of there though, I'm expecting a 12 round fight although Barker will likely get stopped by the referee as soon as he's in trouble, that's always the concern in fights like this, when the challenger, or less favoured guy, is given very few chances.

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Agreed. Unanimous decision for martinez. Barker is fit and is very awkward. I think he will last to the end but will get beaten easily.

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Originally Posted by skel1983

Martinez stops him in 9.

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Agreed! I don't think it'll last longer than that

Bumping this thread up..

This might be a decent fight Saturday evening on HBO.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgbZx0hHAgE

Thoughts?

People tend to overlook certain fighters based on resume but there's alot more to it than just level of competition. I judge fighters based on their overall ability/potential more than the resume itself and from what ive seen, Barker is very underrated.. I dont know why people think that he's no match for martinez but i dont agree with that at all...

He's a natural middleweight for one thing.. He has decent skills and good punching power..

IT's not going to be an easy fight for martinez that's for sure.. Id be hella impressed if he scores a KO but im leaning towards a decision...

Barker is certainly no mug , this guy is a very good boxer , just not good enough to beat Martinez though ,but will be a cracking fight looking foreward to this .

He will no way stop barker!!
Barker doesn't march forward and he won't b stupid to walk on to over hand left!!

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Originally Posted by roberto duran legend

Barker is certainly no mug , this guy is a very good boxer , just not good enough to beat Martinez though ,but will be a cracking fight looking foreward to this .

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What are recommendations for Barker fights to take a look at prior to the showdown with Martinez on Saturday?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeUL9BPTLT0
Martinez by KO
He's on a roll right now and IMO no one 160 or below can hang with him.

I fully see barker putting up a far better fight than Paul Williams!!
Never judge a book (barker) by it's cover.
Also Paul Williams is the most un disciplined fighter in history

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Originally Posted by Dropanuke

I fully see barker putting up a far better fight than Paul Williams!!
Never judge a book (barker) by it's cover.
Also Paul Williams is the most un disciplined fighter in history

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Uhm pwill did put up a hell of a fight in their first meeting, so much so he even got a w...

I'm also getting excited about this fight. I believe Darren Barker is being underrated in this fight. I still wonder if Barker really has the experience to face Martinez, but Barker will be the first true middleweight contender that Martinez has faced since Pavlik and he looks like a strong middleweight. Did anyone catch his fight with Conroy McIntosh? The fight isn't readily available on youtube although I read on boxrec that Barker was put down twice in that fight. It had me wondering that if Barker was put down by a journeyman scouser, he won't last with Martinez, but I'm not 100% on it.

ive seen barkers last 10ish fights and he has struggled in 1 against a french fella although I hear he was ill going into the fight, he dominated the start and then clearly felt the pace

all the others he has won quite easily, his last fight against spada was comfortable and there was very little danger of him losing

so he is a good fighter and much better than British domestic / european level

The worry is he lacks power to put Martinez under any pressure and he hasnt got any experience in these types of mega fights

if i was to put just one bet on, I'd say a Barker KO victory in 5 ;D

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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Originally Posted by Mar

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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it's too soon to jump to conclusions because this is the year of the upset, but after this fight, assuming he wins, Sergio needs to face one of other titleholders at 160, the top guy at 154, Mayweather/Pacquiao etc. or his spot in the rankings should be lowered. barker is a legit top ten guy at 160 though, but there are enough tougher challanges at or around his weight. so, no Lee or Vera fight.

Maravilla has one problem looming behind him - aging. It means he might have problems in future during the last rounds of 12r fight.

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by Mar

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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it's too soon to jump to conclusions because this is the year of the upset, but after this fight, assuming he wins, Sergio needs to face one of other titleholders at 160, the top guy at 154, Mayweather/Pacquiao etc. or his spot in the rankings should be lowered. barker is a legit top ten guy at 160 though, but there are enough tougher challanges at or around his weight. so, no Lee or Vera fight.

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Its gona be Matthew Macklin next for Martinez. That is a totally legit fight. Macklin beat Sturm in most peoples book (and certainly mine).

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Originally Posted by J_C

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by Mar

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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it's too soon to jump to conclusions because this is the year of the upset, but after this fight, assuming he wins, Sergio needs to face one of other titleholders at 160, the top guy at 154, Mayweather/Pacquiao etc. or his spot in the rankings should be lowered. barker is a legit top ten guy at 160 though, but there are enough tougher challanges at or around his weight. so, no Lee or Vera fight.

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Its gona be Matthew Macklin next for Martinez. That is a totally legit fight. Macklin beat Sturm in most peoples book (and certainly mine).

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That's a good point even if the fight with Sturm was close, Macklin is a legit fight. Who is the next best middleweight after Sergio Martinez?

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by J_C

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by Mar

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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it's too soon to jump to conclusions because this is the year of the upset, but after this fight, assuming he wins, Sergio needs to face one of other titleholders at 160, the top guy at 154, Mayweather/Pacquiao etc. or his spot in the rankings should be lowered. barker is a legit top ten guy at 160 though, but there are enough tougher challanges at or around his weight. so, no Lee or Vera fight.

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Its gona be Matthew Macklin next for Martinez. That is a totally legit fight. Macklin beat Sturm in most peoples book (and certainly mine).

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That's a good point even if the fight with Sturm was close, Macklin is a legit fight. Who is the next best middleweight after Sergio Martinez?

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Its gotta be Sturm. Hes had 12 fights undefeated and ranked second in the devision. Dont know if Sturm has the guts to face him though.
As far as the Macklin fight goes, if they were on equal ground I think he would have beat Macklin by a round, but since they were in Germany and he was the title holder there was no way Macklin would win by points.

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Originally Posted by Leighton

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by J_C

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

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Originally Posted by Mar

They should have another no name fighter lined up for sergio to fight right after, just to give the people buying tickets thier moneys worth.

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it's too soon to jump to conclusions because this is the year of the upset, but after this fight, assuming he wins, Sergio needs to face one of other titleholders at 160, the top guy at 154, Mayweather/Pacquiao etc. or his spot in the rankings should be lowered. barker is a legit top ten guy at 160 though, but there are enough tougher challanges at or around his weight. so, no Lee or Vera fight.

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Its gona be Matthew Macklin next for Martinez. That is a totally legit fight. Macklin beat Sturm in most peoples book (and certainly mine).

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That's a good point even if the fight with Sturm was close, Macklin is a legit fight. Who is the next best middleweight after Sergio Martinez?

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Its gotta be Sturm. Hes had 12 fights undefeated and ranked second in the devision. Dont know if Sturm has the guts to face him though.
As far as the Macklin fight goes, if they were on equal ground I think he would have beat Macklin by a round, but since they were in Germany and he was the title holder there was no way Macklin would win by points.

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Please behave

Felix Sturm vs. Matthew Macklin - CompuBox

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

I'm also getting excited about this fight. I believe Darren Barker is being underrated in this fight. I still wonder if Barker really has the experience to face Martinez, but Barker will be the first true middleweight contender that Martinez has faced since Pavlik and he looks like a strong middleweight. Did anyone catch his fight with Conroy McIntosh? The fight isn't readily available on youtube although I read on boxrec that Barker was put down twice in that fight. It had me wondering that if Barker was put down by a journeyman scouser, he won't last with Martinez, but I'm not 100% on it.

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It's hard not to think of Barker as anything but Martinez' next victim based on his lack of top opposition and/or lack of any experience at the world class level. Barker's resume is the who's who of fighters nobody has ever heard of outside the UK, so I don't agree that he's being underated.

Martinez is on a roll, he's been in with the best, and he has the power to put Barker's lights out. I'll say Barker survives a couple of knockdowns and makes it into one of the later rounds, before being brutally KTFO somewhere around the 8th or 9th round.

Martinez by late rd ko

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

I'm also getting excited about this fight. I believe Darren Barker is being underrated in this fight. I still wonder if Barker really has the experience to face Martinez, but Barker will be the first true middleweight contender that Martinez has faced since Pavlik and he looks like a strong middleweight. Did anyone catch his fight with Conroy McIntosh? The fight isn't readily available on youtube although I read on boxrec that Barker was put down twice in that fight. It had me wondering that if Barker was put down by a journeyman scouser, he won't last with Martinez, but I'm not 100% on it.

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It's hard not to think of Barker as anything but Martinez' next victim based on his lack of top opposition and/or lack of any experience at the world class level. Barker's resume is the who's who of fighters nobody has ever heard of outside the UK, so I don't agree that he's being underated.

Martinez is on a roll, he's been in with the best, and he has the power to put Barker's lights out. I'll say Barker survives a couple of knockdowns and makes it into one of the later rounds, before being brutally KTFO somewhere around the 8th or 9th round.

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Everything you said is correct. My only thing would be to go check out some Barker fights on youtube. The Spada one in particular. Barker has a little bit of slickness to him and he is somewhat versatile. I've seen him go into the philly shell and also the earmuffs defense. This is a different fight than Dzinziruk/Pavlik/Williams who are all offensive fighters who don't move laterally. I actually believe it is good for Sergio's development to an extent.

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Originally Posted by erics44

ive seen barkers last 10ish fights and he has struggled in 1 against a french fella although I hear he was ill going into the fight, he dominated the start and then clearly felt the pace

all the others he has won quite easily, his last fight against spada was comfortable and there was very little danger of him losing

so he is a good fighter and much better than British domestic / european level

The worry is he lacks power to put Martinez under any pressure and he hasnt got any experience in these types of mega fights

if i was to put just one bet on, I'd say a Barker KO victory in 5 ;D

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Sorry mate but what evidence have you of this? He has never fought anyone in the top 20 at Middleweight so to say he is much better than European Level is a bit early to say.

If Barker exchanges he gets TKO'd later rounds...

I think he starts off moving and looking for angles early on. Wins some rounds along the way but eventually I think he gets stopped.

Hey, this got a sticky, thanks Mick!

Updating to fight thread: :action:

Darren Barker is a Brit fighter with a nice record, ( 23 - 0 (KO 14) but against home grown opposition in the UK, it figures to be an easy night for Sergio, but we shall see. The card should start with Vera vs. Lee @ 10:00 PM EST, tonight here in North America. That means the fights won't be shown (on sky?) until 3:00 or 4:00 AM in the UK/Europe sunday morning, sorry mates.

October 1
At Atlantic City, N.J. (HBO): Sergio Martinez vs. Darren Barker, 12 rounds, for Martinez's Ring magazine middleweight title; Brian Vera vs. Andy Lee, rematch, 10 rounds, middleweights.

This figures to be a quality night of boxing for us fans tonight, let's get ready to rumble! ;D

I say Sergio takes him out in the 8th or 9th round.

Here are some pics from the weigh-in.

I'm actually anxiously awaiting for my next issue of my ESPN magazine. It's their annual Body Issue, and they have 20 athletes that will appear naked or barely-clothed (with private parts strategically covered) in the “Bodies We Want” section, and Sergio is one of them. :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish:



http://i53.tinypic.com/14lh7h3.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/34o8ni8.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/71snia.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/5yzyno.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/j13w5g.jpg

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Originally Posted by Diane

I say Sergio takes him out in the 8th or 9th round.

Here are some pics from the weigh-in.

I'm actually anxiously awaiting for my next issue of my ESPN magazine. It's their annual Body Issue, and they have 20 athletes that will appear naked or barely-clothed (with private parts strategically covered) in the “Bodies We Want” section, and Sergio is one of them. :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish:

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Hey Diane, I was wondering if you were going to show up for this fight, I know Sergio is one of your heartthrobs. :rolleyes:
I agree that it likely won't go more than 8-9 rounds, Martinez is world class, and he has the power to stop Barker. Barker simply doesn't have the experience or skills needed to hang with Sergio.

As for ESPN magazine's annual Body Issue, sounds like you're going to have fun with that issue. ;)

cheers

Barmy Army Baby!

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by Diane

I say Sergio takes him out in the 8th or 9th round.

Here are some pics from the weigh-in.

I'm actually anxiously awaiting for my next issue of my ESPN magazine. It's their annual Body Issue, and they have 20 athletes that will appear naked or barely-clothed (with private parts strategically covered) in the “Bodies We Want” section, and Sergio is one of them. :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish: :lickish:

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Hey Diane, I was wondering if you were going to show up for this fight, I know Sergio is one of your heartthrobs. :rolleyes:
I agree that it likely won't go more than 8-9 rounds, Martinez is world class, and he has the power to stop Barker. Barker simply doesn't have the experience or skills needed to hang with Sergio.

As for ESPN magazine's annual Body Issue, sounds like you're going to have fun with that issue. ;)

cheers

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Yeah, I've had a lot going on lately, and haven't had much time for anything. Made sure that I take a break, so that I can enjoy the fight tonight.

And I don't just like Martinez because he's hot. :lickish:

I also like him because he's a good, exciting boxer, who is very humble.

But yeah, I can't wait to see his pic though. ;D

Looking forward to see this fight, im rooting for the British fighter obviously. But Sergio Martinez is class i just hope Darren Barker atleast makes it competitive.

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Originally Posted by ICB

Looking forward to see this fight, im rooting for the British fighter obviously. But Sergio Martinez is class i just hope Darren Barker atleast makes it competitive.

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From what i've heard about Barker, he's a tough customer, with a good chin, so the fight figures to be somewhat competitive, at least while it lasts. ;)

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by ICB

Looking forward to see this fight, im rooting for the British fighter obviously. But Sergio Martinez is class i just hope Darren Barker atleast makes it competitive.

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From what i've heard about Barker, he's a tough customer, with a good chin, so the fight figures to be somewhat competitive, at least while it lasts. ;)

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To be honest im way behind on current boxing, i don't watch nowhere near as much boxing as i used to. But from what i have seen Darren Barker may put up a better fight than what people expect.

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Originally Posted by ICB

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Originally Posted by Mars_ax

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Originally Posted by ICB

Looking forward to see this fight, im rooting for the British fighter obviously. But Sergio Martinez is class i just hope Darren Barker atleast makes it competitive.

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From what i've heard about Barker, he's a tough customer, with a good chin, so the fight figures to be somewhat competitive, at least while it lasts. ;)

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To be honest im way behind on current boxing, i don't watch nowhere near as much boxing as i used to. But from what i have seen Darren Barker may put up a better fight than what people expect.

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The knock on Barker is he hasn't faced much quality opposition or anyone of the caliber of Martinez. So it's understandable that most people don't give Barker much of a chance, but here's his big opportunity to shine. :)

The Vera vs. Lee undercard should start in about 15 to 20 minutes from now on HBO.. :action: