Felix Sturm Regains IBF Middleweight Title as Barker’s Career May End With Dislocated Hip
By Robert Brizel, Head RCM Boxing Correspondent
Stuttgart, Germany (December 8th, 2013)– In the main event at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany, Felix Sturm regained the International Boxing Federation Middleweight title by stopping Darren Barker in the second round. According to Sturm, Barker has a rematch clause in his contract, and Sturm will be happy to fight Barker again in London whenever Barker wants. Sadly, according to Barker’s trainer Tony Sims, Barker incurred a permanent injury in the brief title bout and it remains unlikely Barker will ever fight again, meaning the end of his career.
Sturm, now 39-3-2 with 18 knockouts, a Bosnian fighting out of Cologne, Germany, had no trouble with Barker, now 26-2, 16 knockouts, London, United Kingdom. Using powerful left hook leads, Sturm scored at will on Barker in the first round, winning the round easily. Sturm upped the pace in round two, landing brutal right hand power shots, dropping a groggy Barker to the canvas twice. Barker, limping due to a dislocated hip, was ready to go when trainer Tony Sims threw in the towel and stopped the contest at 2:09 of the second round.
Sturm has the option of giving a rematch to Daniel Geale, or looking towards unification bouts with Gennady Golovkin, Peter Quillin, and Sergio Gabriel Martinez. Other possible opponents in 2014 include Marco Antonio Rubio and Julio Chavez Jr.
Result: Felix Sturm TKO 2 Darren Barker, Middleweights
Sturm regains the IBF World Middleweight title
Barker was down twice in the second round. Barker dislocated one of his hip replacements.
Barker trainer Tony Sims throws in the towel and ends contest.
Time: 2:09 of the second round / Referee: Mark Nelson
Undercard Bouts iat Porsche Arena n Stuttgart
Susi Kentikian Win 10 SImona Galassi, Flyweights
Kentikian retains the WBA Female World Flyweight title.
Konni Conrad TKO 5 Leo Tchhoula, Light Heavyweights
Alex Born Win 4 Vladimir Fecko, Light Heavyweights
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