Alexandra Palace to claim the ‘Southern Area Title’, sadly later that year his career was brought to a shattering halt by the news that his brother Gary had died in a car crash, following the news hedecided to take a break from the sport.
The Barnet man returned to the ring in October 2007 beating Greg Barton at the York Hall, and just a month later was back in action fighting the vacant Commonwealth title against Australian Ben Crampton, another unbeaten fighter. Barker out boxed his opponent winning a unanimous decision and announcing himself as a genuine contender. He went on to defend the title a further three times, stoppage all three challengers.
Farewell 'DAZZLING' Darren Barker!
By Paul Hampton
Fact File:
•Nickname: 'Dazzling' Darren Barker
•Division: Middleweight
•Pro debut: 24 September 2004
•Pro record: 26 wins (16 KOs), two defeats
•Pro titles: Southern Area (2006),
British (2009),
Commonwealth (2007)
European (2010, 2011),
IBF (2013)
Earlier this month, one of boxing’s good guys was forced to call time on an injury plagued career. Darren Barker, announced that the injury sustained during his title defence against Felix Sturm had meant his career had been cut short, but it is surely a career he can look back on with pride.
A true story of will, determinations and guts; Darren overcame every obstacle put in his way to reach his dream of becoming a World Champion. It is an achievement which you’d be hard pressed to find anyone begrudge. As he leaves the sport many have tipped their hat to not just his professional achievements but also to the person himself; a man who showed that through hard work, adversity can be overcome.
A decorated amateur Darren won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth games in Manchester, and when he turned professional he did so with an amateur record of 68 fights 55 wins and just 13 defeats.
His professional career started with a flourish, beating Howard Clarke and David White in his first year as a pro. Barker was extremely busy early on in his career, racking up an impressive 14 fights in his first three years, winning his first title in 2006. On the 15th of September that year, he overcame Hussein Osman, at the
Photo: Daily Star
Photo: The Times