Darren Barker says his world title challenge against Sergio Martinez on Saturday is the beginning of a "new chapter" in his career.
European champion ready to become a star on the world stage
Darren Barker insists his world middleweight title challenge against mighty Sergio Martinez on Saturday night is just the beginning of a "new chapter" in his career.
The unbeaten Londoner (23-0, 14 KOs) has swept all before him so far on his way to domestic, Commonwealth and European honours but he's now determined to establish himself on the world stage with a famous victory at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.
Barker goes into the fight as a big outsider against Martinez, who is ranked three on a number of P4P lists, and some would argue this could be a step too far too soon.
However, the 29-year-old believes he's in the shape of his life to stun the Argentine and has vowed to make the most of this huge opportunity.
The European champion said: "The camp has been fantastic. It's been a long, hard camp but I'm in fantastic condition and I can't wait to get in the ring on Saturday night.
"Without a doubt it's the biggest fight of my career so I've had to put that extra bit in and I feel fantastic for it.
"It's a dream come true because it was the fight I really wanted and when it was finally announced I was over the moon. I always fancied the job against him so when it was signed and sealed I was buzzing.
"To get a fight like this is massive. I've dedicated my life to the sport since I was 12 so it's been 17 years now and important for me to get these kinds of fights now and prove I'm the best out there.
"This is the start of a new chapter in my career and if I win this I'll move on to the next. It's exciting times for me."
Glory
While a gutsy performance in defeat would still give him a firm platform to build on, Barker is only focused on seizing Martinez's WBC belt and becoming a new star of British boxing.
He said: "I haven't thought about just turning up and putting in a good performance. It's about me turning up, winning and grabbing that title - that's all I've been thinking about. I'm here to do a job, I'm confident and I know I have what it takes to beat him.
"A win would propel me straight up the rankings - it will be my name they're talking about and not his. Then I can be the one to push on and grab that number one spot.
"He's 36 now and the time is right for me. I feel good, I'm young, I'm enthusiastic and I want this so badly. All these attributes put me in good stead for this fight and I think he'll be able to feel how hungry I am on the night.
"Carl Froch has been sensational and he's inspired me to do well. I'd love to emulate what he's done and become another marquee name in British boxing."
Barker doesn't feel fazed about fighting in America for the first time and instead believes the new experience could work in his favour.
He said: "It's a real buzz because it shows I've been doing everything right in my career. I haven't put a step wrong yet and look where I am now - headlining Atlantic City against one of the best boxers in the world.
"If anything I'm excited about it and I'll be buzzing on the night and feeling so proud for getting this far. But I won't rest until I've won that fight and I'll do whatever it takes."
Darren Barker is a Lonsdale sponsored athlete. For more see www.lonsdale.com
