Darren Barker vs. Steve Bendall-York Hall-Feb 22

Wellington · Post by **Wellington** » 11 Jan 2008, 09:55

Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net are proud to announce…

“Dazzling” Darren Barker will make his first defence of his Commonwealth Middleweight Title against former European title challenger Steve Bendall at York Hall , Bethnal Green on Friday, 22nd February, to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

This will mark the second time in as many fights that Barker will appear at York Hall the most historic boxing venue in London. In November Barker captured the Commonwealth title there by dominating previously unbeaten in 20 fights and tough Australian Ben Crampton, a performance that generated an unbelievably loud and lively response from Barkers enthusiastic fans.

For his first defence Barker faces a tough challenge in the experienced and dangerous southpaw Steve Bendall (28-3). Bendall coming off of three consecutive wins and going undefeated in 2007 will certainly be looking to continue his winning ways in 2008 and upset Champion Barker.

Barker has compiled an unbeaten and impressive record since turning professional after winning the Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Barker now (16-0) knows that Bendall has been in with some very good opposition, but is confident that he will retain his Commonwealth Title in “Dazzling” fashion.

“Darren is an exceptional talent and has the potential to be a big star of British Boxing. I’m looking to get Darren US exposure this year so an impressive win over Bendall will path the way for this” said promoter Mick Hennessy.

Hennessy Sports in association with GoldenPalace.net proudly present
COMMONWEALTH CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING @ YORK HALL
Friday 22nd February 2008.
Doors 6pm, Boxing Starts 6.30pm.

Ticket Prices:
Ringside £75 – Reserved
Unreserved £30

For Tickets call the Box Office on: 0870 060 1795 or book via the web: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk

Ash-Weston · Post by **Ash-Weston** » 11 Jan 2008, 11:45

Barker wins this easily.Saw Bendall fight Conroy Mcintosh(Journeyman) in Weston last year and didnt think much of him,nice bloke though!.But Darren Barker will win this on a unanimous points decision.

oliverfennell · Post by **oliverfennell** » 11 Jan 2008, 11:46

Ash-Weston wrote:Barker wins this easily.Saw Bendall fight Conroy Mcintosh(Journeyman) in Weston last year and didnt think much of him,nice bloke though!.But Darren Barker will win this on a unanimous points decision.

I'll go for a mid-rounds stoppage

Podmore_Birmingham · Post by **Podmore_Birmingham** » 11 Jan 2008, 11:50

Good fight – a fight that Barker will probably win on points.

Barker doesn't seem to crack that hard, and Stevie has a decent chin. Although all three of his defeats have come inside, Bendall isn't taken out with one shot - an accumulation of shots over his low guard is usually what gets to him.

Ash-Weston · Post by **Ash-Weston** » 11 Jan 2008, 11:55

True. I did notice in that fight Bendall had a reasonable chin so i think ill stick to my points prediction!

Asterix · Post by **Asterix** » 11 Jan 2008, 11:57

Why did Paul Smith pull out? (If that's what did happen)

Podmore_Birmingham · Post by **Podmore_Birmingham** » 11 Jan 2008, 12:01

Asterix wrote:Why did Paul Smith pull out? (If that's what did happen)

Bendall pulled out so he could fight for the Commonwealth belt.

Smith now boxes hard-hitting but soft-chinned Cello Renda for the vacant English belt on March 1.

http://www.britishboxing.net/news_3036- ... BBBoC.html

Asterix · Post by **Asterix** » 11 Jan 2008, 12:05

Thank you, Tom.

Box Office · Post by **Box Office** » 11 Jan 2008, 15:58

Sould be a good step for Barker in only his third fight back