Darren Barker: A ‘Rocky’ Road to Glory

A ‘Rocky’ Road to Glory

On December 7, Darren Barker travels to Stuttgart, Germany to make the first defense of his IBF Middleweight title against former world champion Felix Sturm. This comes just months after, in Atlantic City, Barker gained the title from Daniel Geale in heroic and dramatic style.

Rewind seven years to 2006 where a Darren’s boxing future, in his own mind, was in doubt following the tragic loss of his younger brother and best friend Gary Barker. Gary, a boxer himself and former Junior Olympic Champion, was just 19 years of age at the time of the car crash, which sadly ended his life.

Darren, by his own admission, went “completely off the rails”, turning to booze and fighting, but his trainer and mentor Tony Sims got the Barnet native back on track. Back in the ring, Barker was able to capture British, Commonwealth and European titles.

In the summer of 2010, whilst sticking up for a man in the street, Barker was attacked and hospitalised by a gang of thugs. It was another setback which the Londoner bounced back from, and earned a shot at Sergio Martinez’ WBC middleweight title in October 2011. The ‘Dazzler’ put up a valiant effort, but was knocked out in the 11^th round, experiencing his first defeat as a professional.

Barker took a lot from the fight, however, and was determined to bounce back once again. But come the summer of 2012, ruptured biceps and a damaged tendon provided another low point for Barker, he thought his career was over.

And The New

Fast-forward to August 2013 and Barker had gained a shot at Daniel Geale and his IBF middleweight title. Barker started well, but was floored in the sixth round by a crippling left hook to the liver. His title chances hung in the balance, his career and livelihood hung in the balance. Could this be the final set back, which keeps him down for good?

‘No’ is the answer. Barker dug deep. Deeper than he ever had before. Thoughts of his late brother, his young daughter and all his family, friends and team who had supported him through the years ran through his head in the 8 or 9 seconds which he spent on the canvas; a period of time which he said “felt like 10 minutes.”

Barker recovered and, amazingly, by the end of that same round was the one in control and had Geale on the ropes, landing shots that hurt the champion. Six more brutal rounds followed, Barker gritted his teeth, bit on his gum shield and fought his way to a split decision point’s victory over the Australian. Overwhelmed by fulfilling his life long dream, Barker collapsed to the floor, with he and his team in flood of tears.

Now, whether you’re a boxer struggling to win your first world title, fighting a life threatening illness, the managing director of a global company whose sales are down, or simply losing in a cup final on a game of FIFA on your PlayStation – you and I can all take inspiration from Darren Barker.

When the chips are down and you might not see a way forward, think of Darren, pick yourself off the proverbial floor, dust yourself off and fight on through the hard times.

Weathering the ‘Sturm’

The next stop on Barker’s whirlwind journey is the aforementioned trip to Stuttgart, Germany to defend his crown against former champion Felix Sturm, his mandatory challenger.

Many British fans and pundits alike winced at the prospect of Barker having to defend his title in Sturm’s homeland; this follows two previous occasions where British fighters, Matthew Macklin and Martin Murray, were on the wrong end of controversial decisions when challenging Sturm in Germany when he was the WBA middleweight champion, in 2011.

Those fears were, partly at least, allayed – however – when people were reminded that since then Sturm has lost decisions in Germany to Geale and Sam Soliman – although the latter fight, which took place in February of this year, was later ruled a no contest due to Soliman testing positive for a banned stimulant.

Nevertheless, it will be another uphill task for Barker against the vastly experienced, former 3 time world champion Sturm, who will have the majority of the fans packing out the Porsche Arena behind him.

But win or lose, Darren Barker can be proud of everything that he has achieved in and out of the ring and is a figure of inspiration, for myself and many, for now and years to come.

- Martin Perry / @MartinPez

Contributor for www.BehindTheGloves.com