Darren Barker

[superheavyrhun]

Barker was trading and bossing the fight for the first half, seemed to be on top in an exciting fight, but he was shipping a few punches, and then started to get on his bike, and circling throwing pitter patter jabs that barely grazed the French fella, and I agreed with the commentators that he was lucky on the scorecards. I had him taking 1-6 & 12. The 118-110 scorecard was typically ludicrous for a European title fight.

He's a decent fighter, but I think his defensive flaws got exposed a little tonight, and he really does need to do more than put the earmuffs on and wait for the other guy to stop punching in terms of defense. The guys on Sky were talking about Macklin having vacated to fight Duddy, so I imagine the Andy Lee fight would be more likely for Barker. Barker's corner were probably the most confident people in the place of his victory, but I think they were watching a different fight.

[JazMerkin]

Barker was trading and bossing the fight for the first half, seemed to be on top in an exciting fight, but he was shipping a few punches, and then started to get on his bike, and circling throwing pitter patter jabs that barely grazed the French fella, and I agreed with the commentators that he was lucky on the scorecards. I had him taking 1-6 & 12. The 118-110 scorecard was typically ludicrous for a European title fight.

He's a decent fighter, but I think his defensive flaws got exposed a little tonight, and he really does need to do more than put the earmuffs on and wait for the other guy to stop punching in terms of defense. The guys on Sky were talking about Macklin having vacated to fight Duddy, so I imagine the Andy Lee fight would be more likely for Barker. Barker's corner were probably the most confident people in the place of his victory, but I think they were watching a different fight.

I didn't get that at all. Duddy is scheduled to fight Chavez Jr on June 26. I can't see him blowing off that payday to be battered to a one-sided UD by Macklin.

[ryanman]

I fell asleep in round 9 (I think). Up to the point I had Barker winning it but had dropped a couple of rounds and was getting caught too much. I was concerned to see his legs stiffen once or twice to a guy with just 4 KOs - that doesn't bode well. So he just ran away the last 3 rounds did he? Hmm, he should really be dominating this level of opponent if he has world title aspirations. I think he's pretty classy though, lovely crisp shots and good balance but when he was finished punching he just puts his guard up, stays in range and allowed Belghecham to just have a free combo back.