Martinez-Barker, Lee-Vera Double Eyed For Vegas, NYC

By Rick Reeno

Promoter Lou DiBella confirmed to BoxingScene.com that he reached an agreement with Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing for an October 1 clash between middleweight king Sergio Martinez (47-2, 26KOs) and undefeated British boxer Darren Barker (23-0, 14KOs). According to DiBella, the fight will either take place in Las Vegas or New York City.

DiBella tried to secure middleweight champions Daniel Geale and Felix Sturm, but he was unable to reach an agreement for either fighter. If everything gets finalized, HBO will televise Martinez vs. Barker.

"He's the best available guy who was willing to take the fight. He's a hungry European boxer who comes straight at you and I think it's going to be an exciting fight with international interest. Paul Williams didn't want to fight [Martinez in October], Felix Sturm can't be made now, Daniel Geale can't be made now and Andy Lee didn't want the fight right now. I can through a list of guys who we tried to get," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.

As the HBO televised opener, DiBella wants to finalize the rematch between Andy Lee (26-1, 19KOs) and Brian Vera, who handed Lee his only defeat as a pro in 2008.