Darren Barker and Glenn Catley recall world title fights in Germany

Glenn Catley won way back in 2000. Darren Barker lost in 2013. So will Paul Smith tip the balance Britain's way in his world title fight in Germany?

Live Fight Night

Well, who better to set the scene than the duo that have gone before him, who were both guests on Ringside this week.

Catley was in Frankfurt against Marcus Beyer, while Barker was in Stuttgart defending against Felix Sturm - of course they want Smith to win but how do they think he'll get on? And what do they remember of their title bouts in Germany?

So you went out to Germany... how long before the fight did you arrive?

Glenn says: I was there for two weeks before the fight took place. I'd spent six weeks training in Bristol and then went to Jersey for two weeks, taking our whole camp there - but to be honest I hated it. I was a former sparring partner of Steve Collins, so I always thought if I got the chance, that is what I'd do, like he did. 

Darren says: I don't think I went out there for more than a week, more like a few days - maybe the Tuesday or Wednesday before? I can't remember. It wasn't a big decision we had to make; I would have rather have stayed at home with the family to be honest, because it's not like we were dealing with jet-lag or time difference. 

What was the first thing that leapt out? Anything shock you?

Glenn says: I can only speak well about Germany. The promoters treated us really well but to prove how nice they were, everybody treated us like locals. Every time they saw us they looked out for us. I can only commend them and let's be honest, I am not sure a German fighter coming over here to take on one of our world champions would be treated so well. People were even coming up to ask for my autograph before the fight, or have their photo taken with the challenger. It was amazing and one of the things that made me like Germany - and that was before what happened in the ring!

Darren says: The one thing that leapt out was how friendly they were. I wasn't mixing with a lot of people, or wandering around saying hello, but the staff at the hotel where we were staying were so friendly. Sturm Promotions were blinding, really looked after us. I didnt get the result of course but it is something I will look back on with fond memories.

And what sticks in the memory once that bell sounded...

Glenn says:  It has always been with me... Chris Sanigar at the end of the 11th. It hadn't been a great one to watch but I went back to my stool and I remember Chris just staring at me, and said: "Look son, we're in Germany, it's very close on the judges' scorecards but I can guarantee one thing - we will not get any favours out here any more. If you want to win this, forget your boxing, it's your last chance to go out there as if you're having a fight in the street!". I went back out and remembered saying to myself: "When this round finishes you'll need to be carried out - either because I'd been knocked out trying, or basically put everything in." Within 15 seconds, boom, I caught him with probably the best right I'd ever thrown.

Darren says: The noise was phenomenal. I'd never heard anything like that. I'd usually been the home figther - I went to America obviously and Canada once - and was used to getting cheered, but the boos were deafening. It didn't bother me and in fact it made a c