BoxRec

set to take place by the end of June, purse bids by 8th April

I'm guessing Barker will be favourite, and as much as I'd like to say otherwise, I'd have to agree. if i was designing a fighter to beat Macca a slickboxer would probably be first prototype off the production line....

I wonder if Macca is a bit Pavlik-esque in that he needs to work off his jab, and a southpaw will give him real problems doing that.

plus Barker was probably more impressive in beating their only common foe, Bendall. anyways i think Macca had better set a pretty hot pace if he wants to win and I'll be cheering him all the way

whats your thoughts on it, esp. fellow midlanders t.terry/ chambers etc?

is barker a southpaw??

a boxer will give macca problems is what i meant

I think Barker UD's him. This surely has to be a BBBofC eliminator?

I will give my reasons why later.

eliminator yes mate. i just think Barker can beat macca to the punch/ counter and move, flurry and move on macca, hope I'm wrong though

Good fight.

Barker to win, most probably on points or late stoppage.

I was thinking - why is this going to purse bids? Is it an eliminator for the British title? I haven't seen a mandatory challenge for a commonwealth title since.... well actually, does the Commonwealth Council ever mandate anyone.

Good fight this. Barker UD though.

i think it is an eliminator stu, i read that as Commonwealth champ barker gets 60% of the purse

2009 is shaping up to be a top draw year for boxing.

Belting fight, hope it lives up to expectations.

I think people are probably right to make Barker the favourite - he has the better pedigree and smoother boxing, for my money - but Macca is certainly a live 'dog' in this one.

As CP said, his jab, height, work rate and body attack in close could just be enough to take the more refined Barker out of his stride. Macca is finally mixing in the class he deserves to and I am sure he will be fired up for this one.

Dean Powell has done a good job of bringing Macca on, even if it was slow burn and under the radar for most of his career. Finally he is getting his chance in the limelight of domestic boxing and I think he is relishing the challenges coming his way..

If I had to put money on it I would go with Barker on points but I can certainly see a situation where Macca forces the pace, pumps out the jab, roughs Barker up and gets in his head, to edge out a decision in a close one.

No question, this has all the makings of a vehemently competitive fight.

The telling factor for me here is that McDermott will find Barker is one of the few on the British scene who can match his fitness.

Counter-puncher wrote:eliminator yes mate. i just think Barker can beat macca to the punch/ counter and move, flurry and move on macca, hope I'm wrong though

Yeah, I think that's a good assessment. Although I haven't seen Barker down, I hear he was a little bit chinny in one or two of his fights earlier in his career, so if McDermott is to win, I can only see it by stoppage. And how did McDermott's cut look against Bendall?

maybe, if Barker can't really hurt Macca, 12 rounds will be a long time for him to stay away/ keep Macca off?