Joe Calzaghe and Darren Barker To Front International Sports Group; Manage Fighters

01/20/2022 James Slater

Two former world champions who continue to have a real passion for the sport of … read more

Carl Froch and Darren Barker – The Rounds

05/27/2020 Matchroom Boxing

FROCH AND BARKER TALK FIGHTING ON THE ROAD IN ‘THE ROUNDS’ – British stars talk … read more

Darren Barker retires from boxing

01/15/2014 Bill Phanco

Former IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker (26-2, 16 KO’s) has reportedly retired from boxing following his 2nd round stoppage loss to Felix Sturm last December in Stuttgart, Germany. The 31-year-old Barker suffered a hip injury in the 2nd round, which made impossible for him to fight effectively. With Barker unable to put the full weight on his injured hip, he ended up getting knocked to the canvas twice by two clubbing shots from Sturm before Barker’s corner threw in the towel to have the contest halted.

For Barker, this was his 2nd hip injury and a clear signal that it might be wise for him to hang up the gloves. Barker had a rematch clause in his contract to fight Sturm again, and he likely would have gotten a nice payday out of the fight. However, it’s possible that Barker might have had a tough time making it through a grueling training camp, and more importantly passing a physical to be allowed into the ring to face Sturm for a second time.

Dazzling Darren Barker fails to weather the Sturm; Post Fight Video Interviews

12/08/201312/08/2013 Andrew Picken

Felix Sturm claims the IBF middleweight title with second round stoppage of Darren Barker

The UK’s Darren Barker, now (won 26 (KO 16) lost 2 [KO 2] drawn 0), was stopped by Germany’s Felix Sturm, (won 39 [KO 18], lost 3 KO 1 drawn 2), in two rounds of fast paced action that surprised both camps in Stuggart, Germany last night. The lead up for both fighters going into this fight could not have been more different, Sturm coming off two low key fights after losing to Daniel Geale, late in 2012, and Barker coming off a career best performance defeating Geale for the IBF Middleweight belt in August 2013. Both fighters surprised commentators by electing to trade from the off, Sturm getting the better of these and starting with a high tempo from the word go. In what was an entertaining first round, with both Barker and Sturm having success, it was ultimately the wrong strategy for Barker to employ against a revitalised and physically strong Sturm. Sure Barker was having success, but after two relatively heavy knockdowns, Sturm was landing the more telling blows. Barker, for some reason, neglected to utilise his upright boxing skills, dipping unusually low coming in and inviting Sturm to tee off clubbing shots – catching Barker on the top of his head.

Sturm defeats Barker

12/08/201312/07/2013 Jeff Sorby

In a surprise upset, former WBA midleweight champion Felix Sturm (39-3-2, 18 KO’s) came out fast and knocked IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker (26-2, 16 KO’s) out in the 2nd round tonight at the Porsche Arena, in Stuttgart, Germany. Barker was knocked down twice in the 2nd round from clubbing right hands to the head from Sturm.

Barker was able to get back to his feet after the 2nd knockdown, but he was taking some big head shots that led to his corner choosing to have the fight stopped by throwing the towel in.

Barker reportedly dislocated his left hip in the fight. In watching it on replay, the injury may have occurred when he was staggered after the 1st knockdown. Barker almost lost his feet and he put a lot of weight on his left leg.

Sturm vs. Barker Press Conference Quotes and Videos

10/11/2013 Sturm Box-Promotion

After meeting for the first time at a press conference in Stuttgart, Germany, on Wednesday, IBF Middleweight Champion Darren Barker and Three-Time Middleweight Champion Felix Sturm came face-to-face again yesterday at the London leg of their two-city press tour.

“Felix’s shows are always spectacular and I’m sure it will be a sell-out and the pressure will all be on him,” said Darren Barker, who will make the first defense of his IBF belt.

“I’ve boxed all over the world as an amateur, in some pretty hostile places, and it’s never bothered me – it inspires me. I don’t worry about the judges; I plan on winning very well, and putting on a fantastic night with lots of my fans coming over for a great fight between two great champions.”

Recap: Barker unseats Geale

08/21/201308/21/2013 Chip Mitchell

Fans were treated to a great night of boxing on HBO on Saturday as “Dazzling” Darren Barker wrestled the IBF Middleweight title from former champion Daniel “Real Deal” Geale. Most ringside observers and fans, (not including HBO’s unofficial scorer and boxing judge Barbara Perez), had the fight scored extremely close, as each fighter gave as much as they took in this nip and tuck affair.

Geale predictably had a strong beginning to the fight and controlled the pace and distance. As the fight progressed, Barker came to life by manufacturing a body assault in an attempt to reduce Geale’s output. By the fourth round Barker appeared to have flashes of momentum, but suffered a cut above his eye and some bruising for his troubles.

Barker Defeats Geale in a Thriller

08/20/201308/19/2013 James Stillerman

Darren “Dazzling” Barker and Daniel “The Real Deal” Geale fought an all out action packed twelve round bout that could be considered one of the fights of the year; in which Barker earned the hard fought split decision victory over Geale to become the new International Boxing Federation (“IBF”) Middleweight Champion. Barker garnered two scorecards of 116-111 and 114-113 while Geale received the other scorecard of 114-113.

This fight was televised by HBO Boxing After Dark from the Revel Casino – Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Barker from England improved his record to 26-1, 16KOs with the victory and has won three consecutive fights since his lone loss as a professional when he was stopped by current World Boxing Council Middleweight Champion and one of the pound for pound best fighters in the world, Sergio Martinez in the eleventh round.

Cleverly and Barker: Heartbreak In Wales, Tears Of Joy In Atlantic City!

08/18/201308/18/2013 James Slater

What a rollercoaster night of emotions British boxing fans experienced last night! In Cardiff, Wales, unbeaten WBO light-heavyweight champ Nathan Cleverly was the victim of one of the most one-sided beat-downs seen, as the lethal-hitting monster that is Sergey Kovalev won by crushing yet at the same time seemingly effortless fashion.

Simply put, the fight was no contest from the start, as the Russian terror knocked the unbeaten Welshman senseless, to the point where the referee was all but holding Cleverly up at the end of that torrid 3rd-round. The slaughter should have been stopped then, as Cleverly was totally gone and seemed out of it as he sat on his stool. Cleverly actually appeared to come to in the corner and he was allowed out for the 4th. The inevitable was swift in coming, however.

Photos: Darren Barker defeats Daniel Geale; Martinez TKOs Romero

08/18/201308/18/2013 Gary Shaw Productions

In the 10-round main event, the UK’s Darren Barker (26-1, 16 KOs) defeated Australia’s Daniel Geale (29-1, 15 KOs) by means of a twelve round split decision to capture the IBF middleweight championship. Both fighters had their moments throughout the fight. Barker seemed to be more accurate with his punches. Geale was in every round and dropped Barker in round six with a left to the body that almost had the British fighter down for good. Barker showed tremendous resilience and fought hard to end the round. Going into the later rounds it was anyone’s fight. Barker was throwing more punches, but Geale was landing the harder blows. After the final bell rang the scorecards read 114-113 for Geale, as the other two judge had it 116-111 and 114-113 for Barker. Barker wins by spit decision.

“I started loading up and got carless and I started getting hit too much,” said Barker. “The occasion kind of got to me. If I would had stuck to my game plan and boxed more, I would have won easier. During the knockdown it all went through my head…my wife my family and my daughter. I knew I was up against it going in. He was a tough man.”