By Phil D. Jay

A frustrating year for middleweight contender Darren Barker will end on September 8th in London as the former two-time European champion makes his long-awaited return at Alexandra Palace.

The 30 year-old was due to challenge WBO champion Dmitry Pirog earlier this year until suffering a hip injury in training and now after successful surgery and recuperation, the Londoner is looking forward to stepping back between the ropes.

“It feels great to know that I am approaching my first fight of the year and I am excited to be fighting so close to home,” Barker told World Boxing News.

“I am really looking forward to getting my career up and running again and getting back to winning ways on September 8th.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn explained to WBN that he hopes to make a welterweight contest between English title holder Lee Purdy and Commonwealth champion Denton Vassell to top the undercard and has also pencilled in Erick Ochieng to make an appearance.

‘The Eagle’ claimed the English light-middleweight belt in January this year, before retaining the title against A.A Lowe on the Froch v Bute undercard last month and is set to make his second defence on the 'Ally Pally' bill.

The will also be a first title opportunity for 11-0 Islington southpaw John Ryder as ‘The Gorilla’ bulldozes his way through the domestic middleweight rankings and new signing Martin Ward will make his professional debut on the Sky Sports televised show.

Ticket information will be available shortly from matchroomboxing.com

Phil D. Jay covers boxing for worldboxingnews.net

Tags: Darren Barker