British RBR - Barker v Bendall - Commonwealth Middleweight title

[superheavyrhun]

Evnin all,

Time to welcome you all to another episode of the melodrama that is Friday Fight Night in British Boxing. Tonight we see recent Commonwealth Champion Darren Barker make the first defence of his multi-coloured belt against Steven Bendall.

Barker (16-0, 10KOs) claimed the title with an impressive shutout over Ozzie Ben Crampton back in November, in his second fight back after a year's layoff. Barker was dominant against Crampton who boasted a fairly impressive record but failed to deliver on the night, and wasn't too testing for Barker in the end. Not a huge puncher, but Barker is a good boxer, and is probably in for the toughest challenge of his career tonight against Bendall.

Steven Bendall (28-3, 13KOs) is by far the more experienced of the pair, and will need to demonstrate more big-fight ability to step up to the plate than he has in the past. A former English and IBO and WBU Inter-Continental titlist, Bendall has challenged for British and European titles, but lost by KO in each of his defeat, although they were against quality opponents in Wayne Elcock, Sebatian Sylvester and Scott Dann. His southpaw style might cause some problems, but Barker will be the big favourite for this one.

Coverage starts at 9.30pm UK time, in around 90 minutes or so.

[Saddo]

good stuff mate

[superheavyrhun]

OK guys, the actions about to start over here, so eyes down, look in, and lets see if Barker can show the same form as he has in his last bout.

And also, thanks to the great addition of Saddo, all future RBR's will be archived onto my blog, and I might dig out a few of my favourites for the weeks without bouts.

[superheavyrhun]

OK guys....ringwalks. Bendall gets a fairly quiet reception, a few cheers and a few jeers. Barker looks pretty focussed going into it. Gets a far louder reception on the way in. Next up...its fight time.

Bendall roundly booed upon the announcing of his name, but Barker seems to have a huge fanbase in the crowd, and gets a great reception. Even some fit birds in the crowd!

[superheavyrhun]

Round 1:

Bendall comes out throwing, but not hitting the target with some jabs. Tehy trade in the ring, and a straight shot from Barker puts Bendall down straight away. Another straight right catches Bendall, who's shipping shots big time early on. He looks to come forward with straight shots, but takes two on the wy in. Bendall seems to be back together, a flash knockdown perhaps. Barker staying cool and not chasing too much. Bendall with some straight, jerky punches, but Barker with a nice uppercut inside. Nice left hook from Barker. They clinch, and Bendall throws a couple of hooks on the way out, but caught on the guard.

Great start for Barker.

10-8

[superheavyrhun]

Round 2:

Bendall's corner trying to keep his head focussed. Nice jab opener from Barker knocks back the head. Barker seems to have the match of Bendall, blocking shorts, the going to the body. Barker takes a hook to the body, then a couple more, but keeps his guard up and not knocked back too much as Bendall seems to be. Bendall is circling now, and looks a little jerky and forced. Jab and hook from Bendall. AS they clinch, Barker works well to the body. Barker takes a jab as he comes in with his own then a right to the body. Jab then duck from Barker, who is landing well, but getting caught a little more by Bendall this round. Barker lands a jab, but takes a straight left in return. Hrd stragight right from Barker.

Barker's round. 20-17

[leftylee]

Rhun look at the woman sitting behind Carl Froch she looks the spit of Peggy Mitchell off Eastenders, I thought it was her at first