Darren Barker is chasing middleweight king Sergio Martinez - even though he admits people might think he's "bonkers" to do so!
Dazzling Darren sets his sights on boxing's hottest property
Darren Barker has set his sights on one of boxing's hottest properties - middleweight king Sergio Martinez.
The Londoner is looking to kickstart his career with new promoters Matchroom and is aiming for the best and a man ranked number three in the mythical pound-for-pound ratings.
Martinez shot to prominence in 2010 when he beat Kelly Pavlik, gained revenge over Paul Williams with a stunning second-round KO and has just outclassed Sergei Dzinziruk in his first outing of this year.
The Argentinean is the WBC's emeritus champion and the Ring Magazine's middleweight champion and even Barker, who fights for his old European title against Domenico Spada on April 30, admits it is an ambitious plan.
But the 28-year-old insists it is not just talk either.
"I know some people might think I'm bonkers even saying his name in the same breath as mine, but I fancy I could cause a mad upset, I really do," said Barker.
"He's a class act, a top, top level performer - but I've got a good knack with southpaws from my Repton days, and it's got to end for him someday so why not to me?
"What's the point in stalling? I'm 28 now, I'm in my prime, a year out is not going to hurt me - I train hard, I get good sparring and I'm always in good nick. I want to start where I left off and carry that journey onto fighting the big names.
"I've got the same mentality as David Haye - I don't want to be fighting in my 40s, I don't want to be like a Martinez - my prime is now, I want to jump on that and make the most of it."
Barker though, knows he has to get past Spada and recapture the European belt if he is to do anyything on the world scene.
The Italian has lost just three of 35 fights and has not been stopped as a professional. Two of those losses came to unbeaten German Sebastian Zbik, who is about to fight for the WBC title.
"He's a tough, experienced campaigner, he likes to come forward and he's very aggressive so I'll have to be on my guard," said Barker.
"Bottom line is though - I want my European title back. The last time out I was very disappointed and I know I'm miles better than that.
"For the first couple of rounds I showed what I am capable of and I almost had him out of there. It was common knowledge that I was injured and I had a hip operation right after, but I had nothing left in me in the fight and I hadn't run for two years.
"Training and running has been fantastic for this one though, I feel like I did five years ago - I'm fresh, enthusiastic, and hungry - life is great at the minute and I know it's going to get even better on April 30."
