Sport

Barker ready for another foreign war

DARREN Barker insists he has no fear of defending his IBF middleweight title on foreign soil as he prepares to face former champion Felix Sturm at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart tonight.

The 31-year-old Londoner also had to travel to win the title in his last fight when he ventured to Atlantic City to edge a split decision over Australian Daniel Geale in August.

But Sturm is something of a local favourite having fought only three of his 43 career bouts outside Germany - including a controversial 2004 loss to Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas.

Barker said: "The confidence and belief from winning a world title is unreal - I've always believed I'm world class, but winning that world title I know that I am world class because I've proved it.

"I am as hungry as I've ever been, I'm proud to be a world champion and I want to have a long reign."

The form guide is good for Barker with Sturm having lost the WBA version of the middleweight title in split decision loss to Geale in September 2012. A subsequent loss to Sam Soliman was overturned when Soliman failed a drugs test.

Barker suffered the only defeat of his career to date when he was beaten by Sergio Martinez, widely regarded as the number one at the weight, in October 2011, but bounced back well with two wins before taking the title from Geale.

Barker added: "When preparation has been perfect you look forward to getting in there and that's where I am right now - I just can't wait to get in there and do my thing.

"I've got a small and close team around me and that's how I like it.

"I've had a good week here, it's been enjoyable, we've been treated really well and the German fans have been great.

"Coming out to Germany to fight one of their great champions is a big statement.

"I've won the title abroad and I'm defending it abroad - it's a sign of my belief that I will beat him and move towards securing a legacy in this great division."