Ryanman,

Yep - fair play. I agree with you, there are very few Australians who go over and beat the best in the States also. Britain actually has far more who go over and take on the best than Australia do. I guess I was more so thinking about those hideous manadatories that somehow bob up at times. Patrick Charpentier is one who springs to mind. Got a shot at Oscar back in the early 2000s I think when he clearly had no business being there.

Greenbeanz - I thought I ate enough humble pie in the article! I was trying to poke a bit of fun at myself in that I'd judged this bloke based on absolutely no first-hand evidence, and he really surprised me with what he brought. More fool me. I really enjoyed the fight, it was a ripper, and I really enjoyed watching how thrilled Barker was when the cards were tallied.