Darren Barker vs Darren McDermott Photo Gallery

This past Saturday night at The Colosseum in Watford, Dazzling Darren Barker put his Commonwealth middleweight title on the line against The Black Country Body Snatcher, Darren McDermott.

Photographer Justin McKie was ringside to capture all the action.

Darren Barker vs Darren McDermott - Commonwealth Middleweight Title

Photos © Justin McKie, click on the images to enlarge. Trainer Tony Simms prepares Dazzling Darren Barker for his Commonwealth middleweight title defense. With the bout doubling as a British title eliminator, a showdown with Matthew Macklin is also at stake. The champion on the left brings a perfect 19-0 mark into the contest. Pictured on the right, challenger Darren McDermott comes into his title challenge with a record of 16-1-1 Barker prepares to unload with a left hand during a contentious opening frame. While both fighters tried to establish their jab, it was the champion who landed the cleaner more effective punches. While McDermott gamely battled to stay in the fight, the story was Barker's combination punching. The champion consistently found the mark with straight 1-2's on the taller man's chin. By the fourth round, Barker was in control and opening up with a variety of shots. Here he catches the challenger with a left. The end came in the final minute of the fourth round - and no surprise it was a perfect 1-2 combination, with the right hand landing flush on the side of McDermott's jaw. McDermott was on his feet by the count of 7, but referee Dave Parris didn't like what he saw and called a halt to the contest. The impressive victory improves Barker's record to 20-0, and despite having protested the stoppage, McDermott is classy in defeat.