DARREN BARKER vs STEVE BENDALL

[yvonne]

Alright their U.K boxing fans!I watched the Darren Barker Vs Steve Bendell fight from the Famous YORK HALL down in London last night which was shown on Sky Sports.I was very impressed with Barker.He had a really good effected jab as well as good forward pressure.A great take down on unfortunate Bendell.How do you fans out there reckon Barker would fair going toe to toe with FROTCH,who i noticed watching at ring side.What do you think the outcome would be??

[superheavyrhun]

Hey Yvonne, where were you sitting? Don't suppose you were the rather fetching blonde in the floor seats who was standing during the announcements at the start of the fight?

Anywho...this is a boxing forum, so I suppose I ought to have a look at that too!

I think Barker looks good when he's fresh, but in the last two fights which I've seen I do think that he doesn't like it when a fighter sticks around after taking his big shots. Against Crompton he was comprehensive in victory, but I do think he got frustrated by not being able to knock out the guy, and started boxing in straight lines at times, which I also picked up in the 6th (I think) last night. Not sure if its a stamina or mental glitch, because Barker kept going for 12.

Personally, I think it's too early to throw him in against Froch, who not only is a vicious puncher but fights a weight above him, and who has eyes on world titles at the moment. I think Barker is developing nicely, but needs a few more tough contests before he even thinks about looking at British or European titles, let alone world ranked boys like Froch. And sticking at middleweight might be the best idea too for now.

[yvonne]

I enjoyed the Barker Vs Bendall bout.I thought BARKER used his jab very effectively and found his range from the moment the bell rang in the first round.He looked very comfortable and dominant through out.Yes he did seem to odopt to box in straight lines,but theres no harm in that.He knew he had the ability to do the job..The Knock down he delievered in the first 20seconds of the bout proved that!!I think a british title challenge would do him wonders.I'd like him to mix it up a bit,but theres no need to when you can obopt and win by boxing skill alone.Do you think FROCH will EVER get to fight CALZAGHE after the HOPKIN bout??It would make a great domestic fight over here!!!