The Scouting of Darren Barker.

[brick wall]

Not even remotely anywhere near that level.

Even that version.

I mean, atleast Margarito was a top level fighter before his lay off.

wow really? that's a pretty weak move by martinez after criticizing pac's previous opponents.

[S.G.]

Barker looked rusty against Spada and that's understandable.

And fighting Spada for your first fight back is admirable on his part because he could have easily chose an easier fight.

But he simply isn't on the level of Martinez.

I would understand if it was Matthew Macklin (hyperthetically, obviously)

But Barker? I can not understand what Martinez is thinking. He gains nothing from this fight.

I actually think Barker beats Macklin.

[IronDanHamza]

Thats sad to hear......

My view is this, that everyone deserves a chance. This sport that we love sooo much is soo barbaric and brutal and the toll that these fighters unleash on there body day after day and training camp after training camp and fight after fight, these guys deserve a chance to make a big payday and an attempt to come to the US and make a name for themselves.

I mean look at the fight Zbik had with Chaves Jr...I know he owned the WBC Title at the time, but does any1 not wanna give that kid another shot at fighting in the US after watching his performance a few weekends back.????

He had his oppurtunity and as far as Im concerned he cashed it in in a losing effort cuz as a fan I want to see him fight again on a televised boxing card.

Barker is a stand up guy and a nice person and I like him alot and he has also been through alot and I wish him well in his career.

But he simply hasn't shown he is a fighter that can perform on a world level. And Martinez can not expect to get any credit for beating him.

I would like to see Barker fight Macklin and hopefully that can happen down the line after Macklin-Sturm whether he wins or not.

[Evil Abed]

[IronDanHamza]

I actually think Barker beats Macklin.

I would agree and that is very possible. I would also root for Barker in that fight.

But, Macklin has proved atleast he is world level and has some solid wins on his resume to gain his Top 10 slot at 160.

Barker simply hasn't as of yet.

[Evil Abed]

[DanielTurcotte3]

Barker is a stand up guy and a nice person and I like him alot and he has also been through alot and I wish him well in his career.

But he simply hasn't shown he is a fighter that can perform on a world level. And Martinez can not expect to get any credit for beating him.

I would like to see Barker fight Macklin and hopefully that can happen down the line after Macklin-Sturm whether he wins or not.

I would agree with what your saying.....

Quite frankly this should have been handled with Barker fighting the winner of Sturm V Macklin to see who fights Martinez, although I would believe that if Sturm does handle his business with Macklin that he would and should feel entitled to a fight right away with Martinez.

Martinez is in a tough spot, at his age he doesnt want to sit and wait around for big fights, but fighting these caliber of opponents in a lose lose situation and will do him no good in the long run. He wants to stay busy and thats very refreshing to see and hear for a top P4P fighter to want to fight 3 times a year, but taking on the likes of these types of opponents will only do him harm!

[Clegg]

I don't think he's a legit opponent.

I've seen a few of his fights and am aware of his overall record. Not that reading fight reports and looking at boxrec tells you the full story of a fight, but it's not worthless either.

He's a decent enough fighter but fairly basic. In the fights of his I've seen he looked to have solid power but his overall record doesn't indicate that, so maybe I just happened to see his best performances.

I don't see him as top 10 in the division, and I dislike that Martinez is choosing to fight undeserving non-elite talents like Barker rather than face bigger challenges. Maybe there are issues in getting Pirog/Golovkin/Sturm into the ring, but I can't accept that Barker was the best available choice. I'm not saying he's crap but he hasn't beaten good enough opposition, nor has he looked sensational against the guys he has fought.

I don't know if Andy Lee(/Steward) still wants Martinez like they apparently did 6 months ago or if heydecided that avenging his loss was more important. At the time a lot of people criticised a possible Matinez-Lee fight but I think it'd be a better choice than this.

I see Barker as only the 3rd best MW in the UK, behind Macklin and McEwan, who showed some nice skills despite losing his last fight. This fight is about the same level as Pavlik-Lockett IMO.

[Evil Abed]

I think Barker beats Chavez.

Rather easily.

He wouldn't stay in front Chavez like Zbik.

[Evil Abed]