Watford ColosseumSaturday 23rd May
Dudley's Darren McDermott was left fuming after refereee Dave Parris stopped his Commonwealth title challenge after he took an eight count in the fourth round of a highly charged contest live on ITV4.
The Middleweight contest had started brightly with Barnet's Barker edging the first round on sharpness letting go with some impressive shots. Barker continued to impress in the second and third round although McDermott with the backing of a substantial and noisy travelling support had his moments getting in close with Barker and finding some hard shots.
Barker's right had been looking impressive since round three, but had yet to really rock McDermott (who was sporting a rather flash blonde mohawk), that was until the fourth round when the shot forced McDermott to hold a few times. The shot proved to be "Macca's" downfall with the round coming to an end Barker threw a peach of a right hand knocking McDermott down. McDermott got to his knees straightaway and after looking at his corner rose after the full eight count, McDermott looked steady enough to continue but referee Parris waved the contest off to McDermott's obvious disgust.
After the fight McDermott along with trainer/manager Dean Powell were both angry with the decision both stating that McDermott had been instructed to take the eight count and rose on time and was fine to continue. Whilst I'd definitely agree with the stoppage being far too early Barker did look like he was controlling the fight, although you never know what can happen in boing. There were sadly clashes between some of the fans travelling down from Dudley and Barker's supporters and the police had to intervene.
Elsewhere on the televised Hennessy Sports show in the main support Heavyweight sensation Tyson Fury continued his meteoric rise with a second round stoppage win over Scott Belshaw improving his record to 6-0 (all stoppage wins). Matthew Thirlwell beat George Hillyard when after being floored at the end of the fourth Hillyard didn't come out for the fifth. Also good amateur Bradley Evans could only manage a dissapointing draw in his second pro fight against Jevgenijs Kirillovs over four.
