Barker gunning for Martinez

Darren Barker: Ambitious man

Darren Barker is an ambitious and confident man. Having his eyes set on middleweight king Sergio Martinez proves this.

Barker, who is attempting to recapture his European belt when he takes on Domenico Spada on April 30, believes he has what it takes to dethrone the man, who I believe, is the current pound-for-pound king.

Barker told Sky Sports:”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.

“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?

I understand Barker is ambitious and wants to fight the best, which I really respect, especially in this day and age, but this is just a no-no for me. Barker is a fine domestic fighter but stepping up to fight someone like Martinez is going too far. Martinez is three or four levels above Barker and that is being kind.

I mean no disrespect to Barker in saying that either but Martinez is a phenomenal fighter. His one shot KO of Paul Williams proved that. People talk of Pacquiao and Mayweather as the number one’s in the mythical pound-for-pound rankings but to me Martinez is the number one boxer in the sport right now.

Of course is the fight was made it would be a great opportunity for Barker but one that I could only see end in defeat.

If I had any advice for Barker it would be to concentrate on winning back his European title and concentrate on getting into the top 10 and forget any talk of fighting Martinez.