By Phil D. Jay

“Dazzling” Darren Barker remains unbeaten after picking up the European middleweight title for the second fight in a row. Barker out-thought and out-manoeuvred two-time interim WBC title challenger Domenico Spada in a tough contest to claim a points win at the Olympia in London.

The 28 year-old started well, getting into a rhythm from the word go and Spada had trouble avoiding the former British and Commonwealth champion's slick combinations. Barker bamboozled the game Italian at times and Spada resorted to some rough-house tactics at times, to try and get back into the fight.

Barker took a handy lead into the second half of the fight, but seemed to wilt in the latter stages as Spada, 30, had sporadic success in the latter part of the fight. WBN had Barker a handy 118-111 winner, but the two Spanish and one Finnish judge had it slighter closer, scoring it 116-113 (twice) and 115-113 to the Londoner.

“I’m very happy, it’s (the title) back where it belongs,” Barker told Sky Sports' Adam Smith after the fight.

“I haven’t been in for a year, there was a bit of rust there, which I honestly didn’t think there would be and that’s taking nothing away from Spada.

“Them rounds are very valuable, there are in the bank and it’s onwards and upwards now."

Barker now improves to 23-0 and believes that Spada is the perfect tune-up for his move into the top echelons of the middleweight scene. A world title shot is planned for early next year and it was a credible performance after a year out for Barker, who seemed happy enough with the victory.

“He is the first credible opponent I have faced, I think he’s rated number six or seven with the WBC. He’s a real tough contender and I have beaten him quite handily there.

His promoter Eddie Hearn is already talking about trying to re-make the twice-failed bout with rival Matthew Macklin, who challenges Felix Sturm in Germany this June and Hearn is willing the Irishman on to bring the title back, so Barker can challenge him for it in the UK.

“Tonight was all about getting the job done. Spada was number six with the WBC.

“Darren’s come back after twelve months out of the ring and put in a performance like that against a world-class opponent.

“He is now ranked in the top ten with two governing bodies. We’re already taking to some world champions in the division at the moment. Darren’s got a bit of time.

“Darren wants Matthew Macklin, we hope and pray he can pull something off against Sturm, so we can get a big fight in Britain later on in the year.”

Phil D. Jay covers the boxing scene for worldboxingnews.net