By ALISON LANGLEY Niagara Falls Posted 21 hours ago
It's down to the wire for Darren Barker.
Barker, the undefeated British and European middleweight boxing champion, has been training at Boone's Boxing Club for the past two weeks.
On Saturday, he leaves for New York City before heading to Atlantic City on Oct. 1 to challenge Sergio Martinez for WBC Middleweight title.
The fight will mark Barker's debut in the United States.
"I've been boxing for 17 years now and it has all been building up to this," the 29-year-old Londoner said of the upcoming fight.
The 23-0 fighter acknowledges he is a major underdog in the fight, but is confident he will leave his mark.
"I'm definitely going to win," he said with confidence. "I'm not one for predictions but I can guarantee Darren Barker can win."
Martinez is recognized as one of the top fighters in the world. That fact isn't lost on Barker. In fact, he embraces it.
"None of the U.S. fans have a clue who I am but I'm going to show them. I'm looking forward to being the underdog."
In press interviews earlier this month Martinez said Barker will be in for a tough fight.
"I am very clear and I'm going to win and I will win before the twelfth," the 36-year-old said.
Barker and his team came to Niagara Falls in the weeks leading up to the fight because they wanted to find a training camp that wasn't too far away from the U.S. border.
"The facilities here are fantastic and it's been a very good fit for us," the boxer said.
"I've enjoyed my stay here and everyone has been really welcoming."
Club owner Hank Boone said it has been a "great honour" to host the accomplished British boxer.
When not training, Barker took time out to visit some local attractions.
"Of course, we played tourist," he said with a laugh. "I think we've been to every haunted house."
Barker is the current holder of the British and European middleweight titles. As an amateur, he won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
His amateur record stood at 68 fights, 55 wins and 13 losses. The Martinez bout will be the 24th of his professional career.
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