BoxRec

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Barker by KO. Purely because Ouma has been inactive recent, 4 fights in nearly 3 years and lost 3 of them, which I think shows that unless its a named opponent he does'nt prepare properly or doesn't do his homework or is on the slide, either way Barker would benefit from this and stop him late on.

Who would you pick Mr Ghent?

Mick Hennessy said directly after Barker's last fight they were looking for a Kassim Ouma type opponent for Darren's next defence. Despite Ouma's career now being on the skids, is it realistic to expect the American-based former IBF light-middleweight champion to come to the UK? I would imagine Mick may have to dig deep to get The Dream over here, but if he did it would be a similar to when Ben Tackie came over to fight Ricky Hatton in terms of giving Darren his first taste of world class boxing.
I think it's a fight Darren would win, he would hold big advantages of height, reach and size over Ouma and he has never struggled against southpaws before. Ouma proved against Jermain Taylor he has a great chin when being hit by a bigger man, so I think it would probably be a Barker points win rather then a stoppage.

Who would win and why? Barker, because Ouma is past it!

I would imagine Ouma would travel as he is potentially damaged goods anyway and would serve as a solid yardstick for Barker's progress. Come on Mick get your hands in the pocket and bring Ouma over, or Kofi Jantuah for Barker to feast on!

I don't like when fighter's move up out of their natural weight division, but I would be happy with this fight. Barker is still learning and Ouma went the distance with one Jermain Taylor. However, if Barker doesn't fight for the British belt this year then I won't be happy.

scrap iron wrote: is it realistic to expect the American-based former IBF light-middleweight champion to come to the UK? I would imagine Mick may have to dig deep to get The Dream over here, but if he did it would be a similar to when Ben Tackie came over to fight Ricky Hatton in terms of giving Darren his first taste of world class boxing.

Unless its the big names - purses over in the states are pretty poor in my opinion - I think "Meaty Mick" could get Ouma on the cheap - its the flights, hotels etc etc etc where the expense comes in.

Barker by unanimous decision, imo. Barker would KO Cornelius Bundrage, who beat Ouma.

Barker would win a wide UD IMO as he's got the skills to pay the bills