Ringside Rewind: Darren Barker bids farewell to boxing after a career of ups and downs
Thursday 19 January 2017 19:28, UK
Three years on from his retirement, Ringside Rewind looks back at the dazzling career of Darren Barker.
Barker won titles at every level as he rose up the rankings before he finally achieved his dream of becoming a world champion in August 2013 by courageously beating Daniel Geale in a thrilling battle to win the IBF middleweight title.
The Barnet fighter's career though was far from straightforward up to that point and a stoppage defeat to Sergio Martinez in his first world title shot in 2011 set the theme for a period of injuries and inactivity.
'Dazzling' eventually returned with wins over Kerry Hope and Simone Rotolo before he climbed off the canvas to edge a split decision victory over Geale, prompting emotional scenes in Atlantic City.
The moment though proved to be the beginning of the end as Barker's brief reign was ended in heartbreaking fashion as he suffered a serious hip injury in his first title defence and final fight, a second-round stoppage defeat by Felix Sturm.
