Darren Barker vs Darren Mcdermott

[leforge]

I think Mcdermott will give Barker a tough evening.

[THEBUTCH]

For me Barker is everything McDermott is and more besides. Barker appears to be puncing harder now too, which is a further plus point.

Absolutely belting matchup and it's happening at the right time from a fans perspective. I just hope cuts/injuries don't play a part in the outcome, but I go for Darren Barker.

[Dioufy]

I am very much looking forward to this.

I have only seen McDermott for a single round against Elcock and he looked okay. So I can't really make an opinion of him apart from that he'll come into this fight very much wanting to win, having trained hard with his gym in his shed (does he still have that?). However, I have seen Barker a few times and have been impressed with him nearly all the time. He won every round Vs Crampton, won every round Vs Sharpe and won every one Vs Bendell, plus had one or two knockdowns. Against McKay, Barker struggled early on, but I believe that to be because McKay started at a stupid pace (I think he punched himself out after three or four rounds), and Barker smothered most of his work, but his quality took over in the end.

Thus, I have to go with a Barker UD, mainly because of their common opponent in Bendall - Barker cut him to pieces and McDermott won a 97/93 decision (although I haven't seen that fight). Has McDermott ever been down and what's his chops like?

This may sound silly but I think Barker as a little of Joe Calzaghe in him. He's fast, accurate and works his pants off. Yes, Barker has had chin-lapses in the past (I haven't seen the fight where he was decked twice), but if he uses his boxing skills and his work-rate then the lad can go onto world honours. And before people start, I am not saying Barker is of the ilk of Calzaghe, I just think they have a few similarities.

Hopefully it will be a good fight, one sadly I won't be attending as I will be in Milton Keynes that weekend. If Barker does prevail then I would love to see him in against Macklin. That would be one of my fights of the year at domestic level.

[THEBUTCH]

Whoever wins this fight must get an immediate crack at Macklin, and if Macklin puts any value on the British title, he will be looking for the winner of Barker-McDermott to cement his standing.

Both Barker and McDermott are probably the two toughest contenders out there, so whoever comes through will have well and truly earned their shot.

[Counter-puncher]

He won every round Vs Crampton,

Thus, I have to go with a Barker UD, mainly because of their common opponent in Bendall - Barker cut him to pieces and McDermott won a 97/93 decision (although I haven't seen that fight). Has McDermott ever been down and what's his chops like?

.

mate, (1) i think Macca would run over Crampton like a chinese tank driver over some pro-democracy protestor
(2) Macca had hardly had any rounds at all in the 18 months preceding the Bandall fight, i think a total of 4 rounds or something. a total of 5.5 rounds from Oct 07 to Feb 09. he would have spent the first 5 rounds vs bendall just getting rid of the ringrust. dominating Bendall isn't bad under those circumstances- especially bearing in mind that bendall was effectively the best boxer macca had faced (if you discount the non-fight vs Elcock)
(3) his chops are fine. in the eliminator he won against Darren Rhodes- who, with all due respect was probably never going to be british level, but for all that, the man can bang no doubt- Macca took a fullblooded overhand right, smack bang on the jaw, right in front of me at ringside it was. resulting in little more than a nod and a wink from my man. my worry would be that he saw that shot coming, whereas Barker is more likely to hit him with shots he doesn't see, but fundamentally i think his chin's better than Elcock's ever was, for example.

but you probably knew i was going to say all that anyway

BUTCH- i think Macklin will give the winner a shot. either way, midland rivalry clash or clash of the formerly successful amateurs to see who steps on from british level, either fight is a natural to make IMO. and Macklin has the example of good old Mooresy, who in no way had to fight him but did so in order to make a long-awaited match come through

[Dioufy]

Crampton was Barker's first proper fight against someone who was undefeated for a belt. It was a decent performance, even though Crampton's not very good. Plus, I am not using it as justification as to my man winning, but just mentioning a fact.

I will be very surprised to see a McDermott win. I am not taking anything away from McDermott but skill wise, Barker should UD McDermott with relevant ease. I am going to be betting big on a Barker UD - I can't see any other result.

It’s interesting though – me and you have a massive conflict of interest here, although Barker will be victorious. I hope anyway.

[Counter-puncher]

don't think i won't fight you to uphold Black Country pride

[Dioufy]

[Kirk Cadden]

I was with Macca and his brother Jason on Saturday at the Albion game - Macca is very confident and really does believe that he will win this fight.

He is in fantastic shape and says he has never felt so fit.

Ill be staying over at the Jurys Inn in Watford sp if anyone fancies a few beers before hand then give us a shout, Also does anyone know where i can get a bet on this fight?

[scrap iron]

I am very much looking forward to this.

I have only seen McDermott for a single round against Elcock and he looked okay. So I can't really make an opinion of him apart from that he'll come into this fight very much wanting to win, having trained hard with his gym in his shed (does he still have that?). However, I have seen Barker a few times and have been impressed with him nearly all the time. He won every round Vs Crampton, won every round Vs Sharpe and won every one Vs Bendell, plus had one or two knockdowns. Against McKay, Barker struggled early on, but I believe that to be because McKay started at a stupid pace (I think he punched himself out after three or four rounds), and Barker smothered most of his work, but his quality took over in the end.

Thus, I have to go with a Barker UD, mainly because of their common opponent in Bendall - Barker cut him to pieces and McDermott won a 97/93 decision (although I haven't seen that fight). Has McDermott ever been down and what's his chops like?

This may sound silly but I think Barker as a little of Joe Calzaghe in him. He's fast, accurate and works his pants off. Yes, Barker has had chin-lapses in the past (I haven't seen the fight where he was decked twice), but if he uses his boxing skills and his work-rate then the lad can go onto world honours. And before people start, I am not saying Barker is of the ilk of Calzaghe, I just think they have a few similarities.

Hopefully it will be a good fight, one sadly I won't be attending as I will be in Milton Keynes that weekend. If Barker does prevail then I would love to see him in against Macklin. That would be one of my fights of the year at domestic level.

I'm a massive Barker fan too Dioufy, but I think you're either misinformed or you're telling a few porkies mate. Darren didn't cut Bendall to pieces, they clashed heads and the fight was waved off due to the resulting cut appearing on Bendall . Yes Darren was winning hands down, but he didn't "cut him to pieces" (well, not with his punches anyway!). I agree with you Dioufy that Barker can win this one, but I don't think it will be a walk in the park.

[Hardcase]

Just wtched that fight and Barker did cut Bendall to bits.
He was hitting Steve with shots from everywhere.
Barkers class

[Dioufy]

Sorry, Iron, Barker did cut Bendell to pieces (perhaps not literally, but Barker won every round easily and hit him with everything.). Had him down once too. If anything I used the wrong words, but Barker did demolish Bendell with relative ease.

Put the cut that was caused by the clash of heads to one side, and look at Bendell's face after the fight. He had a few other cuts and plenty of bruising. Yes, Bendell's skin is soft but Barker still messed him up and forced the referee to stop it in the 6th or 7th.



Tough to see, but both of Bendall's eyes are black and he has a nasty cut on his eyebrow, caused by the head-clash in round one, and another other his other eye caused by punches. I was there that night, and Bendall was in bad shape after the referee stopped it.

[The Law]

oh, indeed.

actually on here i would be more acccurately known as the macca fan ;;-)

I like DM. I was there last June in the Wolverhampton Civic Hall when that head clash ruled him out in the fight against Wayne Elcock. Big shame. I thought you lot were going to tear the place apart!!

I remember that fight. I felt sorry for Mcdermott.

This should be a very competitive match-up, the promoters should be proud of themselves. Quite a lot of people are under-rating Mcdermott. He's a very talented lad and has a decent chance in this fight. Barker is the favourite and rightfully so, but it won't be a walk in the park.

I'll definitely be in attendance for this fight

[scrap iron]

Sorry, Iron, Barker did cut Bendell to pieces (perhaps not literally, but Barker won every round easily and hit him with everything.). Had him down once too. If anything I used the wrong words, but Barker did demolish Bendell with relative ease.

Put the cut that was caused by the clash of heads to one side, and look at Bendell's face after the fight. He had a few other cuts and plenty of bruising. Yes, Bendell's skin is soft but Barker still messed him up and forced the referee to stop it in the 6th or 7th.



Tough to see, but both of Bendall's eyes are black and he has a nasty cut on his eyebrow, caused by the head-clash in round one, and another other his other eye caused by punches. I was there that night, and Bendall was in bad shape after the referee stopped it.

Ok, ok...............I've got the fight on DVD so I will watch it again. But one thing I would agree with you is Barker easily dominated Bendall, possibly his best performance as a pro so far. Really looking forward to this one, should be a great night. Go Disco Darren Barker!!

[THEBUTCH]

Yep, Barker was well on top through out. Bendall's delusional if he thought he was going to turn that fight around.

[saturday_kid]

People are writing Macca off a little to easy imo, but that could be a good thing.

I do actually think Barker could be too slick, speedy for Macca (I hope not though), but I also reckon Macca might surprise a lot of you

[Counter-puncher]

Yep, Barker was well on top through out. Bendall's delusional if he thought he was going to turn that fight around.

Elcock absolutely smashed bendall to bits, more impressively IMO. was rocking Steve down to his boots repeatedly

alright saturday kid- you know i ain't writing macca off mate!!

you gonna be there....? i am, can't wait....

[saturday_kid]

Yep, Barker was well on top through out. Bendall's delusional if he thought he was going to turn that fight around.

Elcock absolutely smashed bendall to bits, more impressively IMO. was rocking Steve down to his boots repeatedly

alright saturday kid- you know i ain't writing macca off mate!!

you gonna be there....? i am, can't wait....

Alright mate

Not going no, was originally gonna go to Mutley Brook down at the York Hall which was the night before but now thats off I'm tempted, still tickets about?

The more I think about it the more I think Macca might pull off a nice little shock.

[Russ L]

Black Countraaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyy

[Counter-puncher]

anyone know how many of us are likely to be down there supporting Macca?

[Dioufy]

Barker 117/111 McDermott.

[scrap iron]

I think Barker will win this fight, but it will be the first time he has faced an opponent as a pro who can cause him some serious problems. Nearly all of Barker's opponents have allowed Darren to set the pace and dictate the fight. But McDermott's aggression, workrate and desire could (for the first time) push Barker out of his comfort zone. No-one really knows how Barker will react to this, especially someone who is slightly bigger then him and that's what makes this fight interesting. I've watched Barker since he was an amateur and the only real weakness is his chin. People say he lacks power, but that isn't true. He may never be Julian Jackson, but he hits hard enough. To use Dioufy point about Calzaghe, Calzaghe rarely stopped people towards the end of his career, but instead used his hand-speed and volume of punches to rack up the points. This is the type style I think Barker will adopt and long as he keeps his chin protected he will be very hard to beat.
McDermott will be in peak condition next Saturday and his sound chin will take a lot of stopping. I think both will start fast, but Barker's faster hands and more accurate punching will start to take over in the mid-rounds. I can see McDermott's face marking up and Barker's underrated body punching slowing the Black Country man down. McDermott also seems to be open to an over-hand right, a punch I think Barker will have success with. I believe McDermott will have his moments against Barker, maybe even hurting him once or twice, but ultimately I can see Barker picking him apart in the late rounds and the referee or his corner saving him from any further damage despite possibly still being on his feet. Barker stoppage in 10.

[TerribleTerry]

Would be great to see Macca win this one - he starts as an underdog but with his pressure, work rate, jab and potentially withering body attack he just might show Barker a thing or two he hasn't seen before.

Barker is the more polished, smoother boxer but if Darren can use his strength to turn this into a fight he has a good shot at springing the upset.

"Fight, fight where ever you maybe..."

[Dioufy]

I think Barker will win this fight, but it will be the first time he has faced an opponent as a pro who can cause him some serious problems. Nearly all of Barker's opponents have allowed Darren to set the pace and dictate the fight. But McDermott's aggression, workrate and desire could (for the first time) push Barker out of his comfort zone. No-one really knows how Barker will react to this, especially someone who is slightly bigger then him and that's what makes this fight interesting. I've watched Barker since he was an amateur and the only real weakness is his chin. People say he lacks power, but that isn't true. He may never be Julian Jackson, but he hits hard enough. To use Dioufy point about Calzaghe, Calzaghe rarely stopped people towards the end of his career, but instead used his hand-speed and volume of punches to rack up the points. This is the type style I think Barker will adopt and long as he keeps his chin protected he will be very hard to beat.
McDermott will be in peak condition next Saturday and his sound chin will take a lot of stopping. I think both will start fast, but Barker's faster hands and more accurate punching will start to take over in the mid-rounds. I can see McDermott's face marking up and Barker's underrated body punching slowing the Black Country man down. McDermott also seems to be open to an over-hand right, a punch I think Barker will have success with. I believe McDermott will have his moments against Barker, maybe even hurting him once or twice, but ultimately I can see Barker picking him apart in the late rounds and the referee or his corner saving him from any further damage despite possibly still being on his feet. Barker stoppage in 10.

Sexual post, mate, although I would be surprised to see Barker stop him, on his feet or not.

[Counter-puncher]

I think Barker will win this fight, but it will be the first time he has faced an opponent as a pro who can cause him some serious problems. Nearly all of Barker's opponents have allowed Darren to set the pace and dictate the fight. But McDermott's aggression, workrate and desire could (for the first time) push Barker out of his comfort zone. No-one really knows how Barker will react to this, especially someone who is slightly bigger then him and that's what makes this fight interesting. I've watched Barker since he was an amateur and the only real weakness is his chin. People say he lacks power, but that isn't true. He may never be Julian Jackson, but he hits hard enough. To use Dioufy point about Calzaghe, Calzaghe rarely stopped people towards the end of his career, but instead used his hand-speed and volume of punches to rack up the points. This is the type style I think Barker will adopt and long as he keeps his chin protected he will be very hard to beat.
McDermott will be in peak condition next Saturday and his sound chin will take a lot of stopping. I think both will start fast, but Barker's faster hands and more accurate punching will start to take over in the mid-rounds. I can see McDermott's face marking up and Barker's underrated body punching slowing the Black Country man down. McDermott also seems to be open to an over-hand right, a punch I think Barker will have success with. I believe McDermott will have his moments against Barker, maybe even hurting him once or twice, but ultimately I can see Barker picking him apart in the late rounds and the referee or his corner saving him from any further damage despite possibly still being on his feet. Barker stoppage in 10.

good points mate

x-factor of the fight is the extent to which barker's movement is able to let him give out a volume of shots without getting involved. if macca can cut the ring off consistently barker may be in a bit of trouble

I'll bet anyone that Macca's whiskers are sounder