The Only Way Is Essex for Dazzling Darren Barker

‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker will make the first defence of his European Middleweight title in Brentwood, Essex on July 23 – the home of the BAFTA winning TV show The Only Way Is Essex.

Barker claimed the belt for the second time with a fine performance against tough Italian Domenico Spada at London’s Olympia on April 30 and will defend that title and his unbeaten record in Essex live on Sky Sports against a top ranked European opponent, to be named soon.

After the fight, Sky Sports pundits Johnny Nelson and Glenn McCrory were wowed by Barker’s performance against Spada, with Nelson saying he “boxed supremely well having been out for 12 months” and McCrory calling Barker’s appearance “world class and from someone who belongs at world level”.

The man himself wasn’t totally satisfied but said the time in the ring was valuable after 12 months out, and he’s looking forward to fighting in Brentwood again for the first time since stopping Danny Butler in 2009 to defend his Commonwealth title and pick up the vacant British belt.

“I got rid of some ring rust against Spada – a man ranked at number six in the WBC, and I beat him handily,” said Barker. “They were twelve good rounds to get under my belt and I’m really looking forward to defending that title in Brentwood at the end of the July, when you’ll see much more from me.”

Also on the bill, Romford’s Tony Conquest will fight Leon Williams for the Southern Area Cruiserweight title and Waltham Abbey’s Daniel Cadman faces Danny Butler for the Southern Area Super-Middleweight belt. John Ryder will also feature on the bill and promoter Eddie Hearn is anticipating a hot night of action in his backyard of Brentwood.

“I wanted to get Darren out one more time before we fight for a World title and we are looking for a devastating razor sharp performance,” said Hearn.

“Last time Darren fought in Brentwood the atmosphere was electric and with local boys Conquest and Cadman already confirmed, the place is going to be banged out!”

Tickets for Darren Barker’s European Middleweight title defence with a full Championship undercard at the Brentwood Centre in Essex are available now priced £35 unreserved, £60 ringside and £100 VIP – to buy call Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900.

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