Lets see if Sturm honours the rematch clause.... if he doesn't and the title gets vacated - won't there need to be negations with the next in line contender (assuming its Geale or Solimon).... not gaurenteed it will be in London.Spud wrote:I got Darren Barker so wrong!! He has to be No1 on my "Got It Wrong" list.
I remember years ago I stated Darren Barker does not have what it takes to win a world title or even get anywhere near one!!
Not only has Darren won a world title he managed to secure one of the more reputable belts too. He can not only call himself a world class fighter but after watching that programme on him last night a world class bloke too!! I couldnt believe what a nice, humble down to earth bloke he is and listening to him talk about his brother showed the depth of the bloke too!! I always knew his trainer Tony Simms is a top man but didnt think he would achieve what he has with Darren.
Now I have got that off my chest in the "Boxrec Confession Booth" ... tonights fight is a tough one, not only have Team Barker got to beat Felix Sturm, they have to beat the judges too ... as the phrase goes "you have to knock your opponent out in Germany to get a draw".
In this particular fight I think Fast Car Eddie has done a bloody good job in securing a "life changing" pay day but more importantly the absolutely vital "rematch" clause in the fight contract ... I state this because it wouldnt surprise me if we get a controversial result tonight. Sturm is a tough **** and regardless of the result the fight will be a great watch ... looking forward to it.
Fight Result ... split decision.
Secondly - what happens if Sturm wins a deserving decision. He doesn't honour the rematch close - does that mean Barker will be automatically next in line? Maybe the IBF might decide to move him outside of the mandatory state.
Rematch clauses are great, but sometimes not worth the paper they are signed on..... ask Daniel Geale. I believe he had a rematch clause, but now has to wait for Barker vs Sturm. He might never face Barker again.
I just cannot see Sturm fighting in London, once he fought away from home - and that was against the biggest PPV star in the history of the sport.