Butler service for Barker

[HS Press]

Darren Barker has been hit with late change of opponent ahead of tomorrow night’s vacant British Middleweight title showdown at the Brentwood Centre. Former British Champ and original foe Wayne Elcock was forced to pull out earlier this week due to a stomach virus but promoter Mick Hennessy moved quickly to secure a replacement in the shape of ambitious young Bristol fighter, Danny Butler.

The Hennessy Sports event is live on ITV4 from 7:30pm and Butler enters the bout with impressive credentials. The 22-year-old has a record of 18 wins from his 20 professional fights with both of his defeats coming on contentious points decisions.

Fitness fanatic Butler only fought a ten rounder two weeks ago but he had already been back in the gym preparing for a fundraising event for the Help for Heroes charity when he got the call to face Barker yesterday. His promoter, ex pro Jane Couch says he didn’t have to think twice before accepting.

“Danny’s a fitness fanatic so he’s always in the gym,” revealed Couch. “I’ve known him since he was 9 years old and we share the same manger and trainer in Tex Woodward so he’s almost like a little brother to me. I’ve watched him come up through the ranks and I’ve no doubt that he’s ready for a big chance like this.

“He was training for a Help for Heroes fundraiser which involved a series of physical challenges so he’s in great shape. It’s a charity that’s very close to his heart because both his brothers are in the army and in fact one of them get’s home from Afghanistan tomorrow just in time for the fight.”

Couch believes that Butler has the ability to spring an upset tomorrow night. “He’s coming into this fight with absolutely no pressure on him, all the pressure will be on Barker and he will have to adjust his tactics now to fighting Danny.

Danny’s had a couple of defeats but they were both on close points decisions and he’s learned from both of them and he knows just how big an opportunity he has now.”

Butler’s first defeat was on a split decision to the unbeaten Martin Murray in a Prizefighter clash with Murray going on to win the competition. Butler’s only other defeat was by a single point in an English title fight in another close affair.

At today’s pre fight weigh in Barker tipped the scales at 11 stone 5 and three quarter pounds while Butler was just a shade lighter at 11 stone 5 and a half pounds.

Both Lee Purdy (10 stone 6.75 pounds) and Mark Douglas (10 stone 6.5 pounds) also made the weight ahead of their Southern Area Welterweight title fight on the Barker – Butler undercard.

The card also includes unbeaten heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury, Waltham Abbey Super Middleweight Daniel Cadman and exciting light middleweight Yassine El Maachi with undefeated prospects Bobby Ward, Phill Fury and Steve Barnes also in action.

Tickets for the bout priced £30 and £80 are available from the Ticketline box office on 0844 888 4402 or via www.ticketline.co.uk.

[The_Don1]

different opponent, same result Barker wins - he was always gonna win against Elcock, can't see him going up against Butler being any different.

Plus the undercard is hardly inspiring, bit of a limp arsed way for HS to go out on ITV4, unless they provide us with a mega spectular undercard to the O'Donnell vs. Afrobum fight in Dec.

[funso banjo baby]

go the brizz boy


and Fury isnt a sensation....cessation , if anything

[ERIC GUY]

Do you attend these shows?

[funso banjo baby]

who me ?

[The_Don1]

Do you attend these shows?

nope, if they were in my locality I would, but I don't think that precludes me from passing comment on the quality of them, I mean fair play to HS for drafting in a decent opponent at short notice, but still that doesn't detract from the fact the original opponent was never gonna win. HS should have matched up Barker and Elcock whilst Elcock still had the belt, it smacks of Murray-Thaxton, right match up at the wrong time.

[Deserter]

Would love Butler to give a good account of himself in this one, but can't help but feel it's got a man vs boy feel to the whole affair. Barker is bigger, stronger and punches harder. To cap it all he's technically the superior boxer. Given this it's impossible to make a case for Butler and he'll do well just to go the distance. I see a Barker stoppage around the halfway mark, but full credit to Butler for being willing to step up to the plate...

[Spud]

It would be good to see Butler do well - just cant see it.

Unfortunate for Hennessy concerning the late change of opponent - not a lot he can do in those circumstances.

[15829]

fair play to butler for stepping up at late notice, the loss won't do him any long term damage an he can come again

[Counter-puncher]

fair play to butler for stepping up at late notice,

indeed

[ERIC GUY]

I shall be there tonight, and look forward to a night of entertaining boxing.

[WildWaylon]

Its a shame Elcock isnt fighting but the replacement isnt bad. Barker would have beaten Elcock and he will be too much for Butler. Lets hope it isnt one sided and Butler can give a good showing.