HEARN: D-DAY LOOMS FOR BARKER’S NEXT MOVE

Posted on | January 23, 2012 | No Comments

Middleweight weighing up options for next fight

‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker has plenty of exciting options in front of him for his next fight but his promoter Eddie Hearn says they are ready to strike this week.

Barker announced himself on the World stage with a gutsy challenge against pound-for-pound star Sergio Martinez in Atlantic City in October, and his performance should lead to a second World title shot this year.

Hearn had earmarked the 29 year-old for the chief support slot when Kell Brook faces Matthew Hatton in Sheffield on March 17, but news of that clash prompted talks of World title challenges against Russian WBO champion Dmitry Pirog, Mexican WBC king Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Australian IBF belt holder Daniel Geale. Hearn also revealed he could set up another mouth-watering Brit clash with Barker tackling Martin Murray.

“I have had positive talks with Pirog and Geale’s promoters and I am in constant communication with Top Rank over a Chavez fight in May,” said Hearn. “We have also made an offer to Martin Murray and are waiting to hear back from his team.

“It’s a very exciting time for Darren and he needs to have a date in his head to focus on now that he is back in the gym, so a decision will be made soon.”