Martinez vs Barker: Fight Preview and Predictions
by Bad Left Hook on Oct 1, 2011 2:26 PM EDT
in Boxing Fight Previews
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Note from Scott: As I mentioned earlier, I simply forgot to send out the weekly email asking our staffers for their picks on this fight, and for that I apologize. But I did happen to catch Andrew Fruman, who sees the fight differently than I do, so here's a head-to-head preview between the two of us.
Scott Christ
Darren Barker is a quality fighter and a good enough contender to be in this fight with no complaints from me. I would give him a fighting chance against anyone in the division -- except Sergio Martinez.
What I don't like here is that Barker has no exceptional qualities. He's not a big puncher, though he's respectable. He's not fast, though he's not slow. He's not got great technique, though he also isn't some wildman swinging away haphazardly. Across the board, I'd give Darren Barker about a seven in every category, except stamina, where he might get a generous five.
But Sergio Martinez is operating at peak powers these days. In his last fight, he took on another really good fighter, Sergiy Dzinziruk, and laid waste to him. I'd call Barker vs Dzinziruk a 50-50 fight on paper, I believe. But Martinez vs Barker is going to be a one-way street. Barker will give it a go, but Martinez should out-quick him severely and use his unorthodox southpaw style to rip him with power shots. Barker goes somewhere around the seventh round.
Andrew Fruman
Sergio Martinez is a better fighter than Darren Barker. There can be little doubt over that. But sometimes the right style match-up can go some ways to bridging the gap in overall ability - and this might just be one of those match-ups.
Barker has a few weaknesses, most notably a lack of ability to mix on the inside, and questionable stamina that has betrayed him over the late rounds of his last two contests. But from long distance, he's an excellent fighter - and Martinez prefers to fight at long range. Martinez is not going to be up in Barker's grill, mauling, pressing, and barging away - so when it comes to Barker's major weakness, he will be up against the type of opponent that likely won't be exploiting it. Barker also uses his height well, throws straight shots and isn't nearly as aggressive as Williams, or even Dzinziruk, so he might be able to avoid walking into the type of heavy counters that Martinez likes to sit down on.
Now as far as Barker's stamina issue, that could very well be his undoing - but it probably won't show up until the later stages of the fight. Until then, I think he'll do fairly well.
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My staff pick: Martinez to win on points, around 116-112
I’ve always rated Barker. but the way he’s faded in his past two fights is a worry, he can’t afford to do that against Martinez. Martinez should win but he can’t afford to take his eye of the ball, which may be the case considering he’s spent the whole build-up to the fight talking about Mayweather and Pac.
It’s definitely going to be closer than people think, especially in the first four rounds. I’d say Martinez wins on points but Barker will come out of it with his reputation enhanced.
Martinez by mid to late rounds stoppage.
"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity." - Mike Quarry
Martinez by stoppage Rd6
I’m certain it will happen between 6 and 10 and i’m just trying to decide which one to have a little wager on.
Martinez will be able to let his hands go, and he might not have like world class power, but he has world class speed and I feel that will bust Barker up. Martinez also has the 6th gear which he has proven to all of us that he has and at some point I think the ref will stop it or the corner will just give in.
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
No weigh in photos?
My man crush is needing to see the best abs in the business. It usually motivates me to do a couple crunches.
lee looking a lot better this time around
put vera down with a crisp shot in r2.
R3 10-9 Lee, 30-26 same
Lee fighting very well. The right hook and body work are draining Vera.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
This should really be a Friday Night Fights main event.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:23 PM EDT reply actions
r3 lee
he looks way more composed here. landing nice, crisp shots. straight left working for him again, working in some nice uppercuts too.
Lee’s not terrible, but I see those skinny legs and think the first good fighter he fights is gonna beat him silly.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:26 PM EDT reply actions
R4 10-9 Lee, 40-35 same
Vera cut in this round, maybe by an accidental butt. Lee dominating and maturing into a fine middleweight right before our eyes.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Lee is jabbing and moving nicely, using his length to keep vera at bay. Vera is trying his damndest to get inside and turn it into a brawl, but he’s really only managing to potshot.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Lee just using Vera’s aggression against him, catching him with right hooks and straight lefts as he comes in. He’s fighting a masterful Manny Steward fight.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Lee boxing well, vera one dimensional forward chug
Vera starts each round with lots of energy, trrying to pressure lee. But unlike the first fight, lee is more composed, picking his shots well and moving away. Lee does genuinely look like he’s matured; Vera looks exactly the same as when they last fought.
R6 10-9 Lee, 60-53 same
This version of Lee is a real contender at 160. He has no shot against Sergio, but I’m not going to get angry if that fight gets made.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:35 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
I would
I think Lee’s not bad, but beating Brian Vera and Craig McEwan shouldn’t get you a shot at Martinez.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree with you but then again the landscape at 160 is kind of barren, so like BRB I would not be mad if it gets made.
I’d like to at least see him beat a legit top 10-15 fighter first.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions
I guess all i’m saying is that Lee looks like a solid, competent young 160 pounder. If Barker can fight him, Lee can too.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I like Lee a lot, I think he's really improved the past couple years
But he still has some fundamental flaws which would make me question him having success at the top. First and foremost, his stamina is really poor. I’ve just never seen him look comfortable after round 5. Secondly, he has no inside game and ain’t great at tying up (although I think Manny has worked with him on this – he has seemed a little better the last few times out).
Still, I wouldn’t be mad if he got a shot. He’s young, talented and he’s a good hard working fighter.
Vera looks so pedestrian
Lee looks like he’s enjoying himself – looks a lot looser.
vera got a bit inside a moment ago. looked like a lot were at least partially blocked. but he’s definitely trying to get in there and get scrappy and lure lee into a brawl
Vera lands the occasional body shot, but Lee’s keeping him at range for the most part.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Of course, Vera is one tough hombre. He’s got a nice career as a gatekeeper ahead of him of he wants it.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
R7 10-9 Vera, 69-63 Lee
Body work takes it for Vera.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:38 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
R8 10-9 Lee, 79-72 same
Fun round. These guys are throwing down nicely.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:42 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Also, I like that Lee wanted to avenge his loss vs. Vera. It says something about his heart and pride that I admire.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Agreed
If Vera had skills to match his chin, he’d be a monster.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking that
With a bit more speed and better footwork he could be a really good pressure fighter.
R10 10-9 Lee, 99-90 Lee
Nice scrap. Lee is a fun guy to watch; I’m a fan.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Lee will never be a great fighter, but he could become a good one, even an unembarassing titleholder. Good fight.
Fair play to Lee
That was fun. I think probably his best fight to date.
Something unusual, a “genever-style gin” called Genevieve made in San Francisco. This is a 17th-century sort of recipe, so it doesn’t taste as you’d expect, and is sort of a sipping gin. I recommend it if you ever see it anywhere, but, as I said, it’s very different.
Also, I am now officially slightly worried about SC.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:54 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Thanks, that was good. I’m inordinately worried about SC.
Now Martinez-Barker? Barker’s got no hope.
Somehow, I find myself liking Nard after 20 years of disliking him.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:58 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
And BHop is going to break Dawson down mentally and eat his brains on live TV.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 10:59 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
Sky Sports boys pointing out the obvious
Barker is ready made for Sergio’s left cross – the same one that allowed him to end his last two fights early and terrorize Pavlik.
I just don’t see what Barker can do to counteract that.
Martinez, aside from being much stronger and a bit quicker, has a wider fight radius. He seems to be able to fight much longer than Barker.
I mean, Barker isn't bad
He’s a solid fighter, like Dzinziruk. But Martinez possesses a few more dimensions.
Martinez seems like a hell of a guy.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:04 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
If life was fair, Martinez would be a world sports superstar.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Interesting that HBO has yet to speak three words in a row about Barker. Not surprising, but interesting. This is like the old Roy Jones shows.
Well truth be told, what can you really say about him?
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
As a Martinez fan, I don’t like the mentions of Buster Douglas, for mere ominousness. And I’m a Buster Douglas fan, come to think of it.
Sky sincerely believe Barker has a shot
Except Johnny. Johnny knows the score.
Is this the thread for tonight?
Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.
SC is in parts unknown, and we hope he’s well, so this started up in place of an official thread, yeah.
ah okay… yeah, he didn’t say he wasn’t going to be here right?
Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.
I am not going to bother with the MArtinez fight… will see replay… going to see Marquez fight on fox deportes
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
Maravilla comes in to Rob Thomas/Santana. /cringe
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:12 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
is it me or does it seem like a lot of former boxers are dying?
Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.
Funny that Michael Buffer said thousands in attendance and milliones over the world watching the fight. Plenty of empty spots visible on the arena.
And there it is...
Martinez counters with the left. Barker waiting for it.
R1 10-9 Sergio
But Barker acquitted himself well.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:22 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez
Not much action. Barker landed a few jabs, Martinez with a nice counter left that was by far the best punch of the round.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:22 PM EDT reply actions
Has anyone fought, ever, with lower hands than Martinez?
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:24 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
R2 10-9 Maravilla, 20-18 same
Barker really fighting as well as you could expect: it’s just not nearly enough.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:26 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Barker, 19-19
First half of that round was Martinez bouncing punches off of Barker’s high, tight guard. Second half, Barker landed a few nothing punches, but that was more than Martinez landed.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:26 PM EDT reply actions
20-18 Martinez, although R2 is…weird. Barker stays in a shell most of the time, lands very little. Sergio doesn’t do much either except in spots, but partially buckles Barker with a left in the last 20 seconds. Don’t know what to make of Barker yet, although he’s frustrating Martinez’s offense, without creating much of his own.
R3 10-10, 30-28 Maravilla
Nice effort by Barker.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:30 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Barker, 29-28 same
Martinez not finding a way through Barker’s guard, and not throwing enough. Barker not landing much, but he doesn’t have to if Martinez doesn’t step it up.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:30 PM EDT reply actions
Good start for round 4, both throwing a lot more
And Martinez seems to be bleeding from the nose
R4 10-9 Maravilla, 40-37 same
Barker fighting well, though. He’s much more competitive than Dzin.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:34 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
barker round
really making martinez look uncomfortable. Barker looks a lot more at ease. He’s throwing more, countering martinez well despite the fact the champ has the speed advantage.
10-9 Barker, 39-37 Barker
Same deal. Barker landing here and there, and Martinez can’t figure out how to get through Barker’s high, tight guard. Martinez throwing more punches, but without any more success.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:34 PM EDT reply actions
This might actually get Martinez that Mayweather fight he wants hahaha
Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.
R5 10-9 Sergio, 50-46 same
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:37 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-10, 49-47 Barker
A few punches landed by both, but nothing of any consequence. Basic pattern still holding: Martinez wants to counter, but Barker’s giving him nothing to counter off of.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:38 PM EDT reply actions
that nose is really bugging martinez
barker targetting it well with the jab.
R6 10-9 Sergio, 60-55 same
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:41 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez, 58-57 Barker
Better for Martinez in the second half of the round, and stopped Barker in his tracks with a shot near the end of the round.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:42 PM EDT reply actions
R7 10-9 Sergio, 70-64 same
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:45 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez, 67-67
Better for Martinez. Not that he’s yet landing much, as Barker’s still picking off most of the shots, but Martinez is throwing more and with more authority than he was earlier in the fight, and Barker isn’t throwing back what little he was earlier.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:46 PM EDT reply actions
Nice combinations by Martinez, of varying levels of success. I don’t think Sergio is going to stop Barker, but I think he’ll knock him down at some point, if he doesn’t tire. And he looks more energetic now than he did at the start, oddly.
i don’t like these sky commentators… it’s the only streams i’ve found, so i won’t complain, but they don’t even try to curb their bias
Bob Arum would promote Lucifer himself if he could put asses in the seats.
R8 10-9 Barker, 79-74 Sergio
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:49 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez, 77-76 Martinez
Barker gets a bit more aggressive, but Martinez lands the best shots with a trio of good straight lefts to the body early in the round.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:50 PM EDT reply actions
Marquez got all jacked up in the 10th round.
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
That's the card I'm TiVo-ing
While watching college football. Please don’t give too much away.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
by Brickhaus on Oct 1, 2011 11:53 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
R9 10-9 Sergio, 89-83 same
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:53 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez, 87-85 Martinez
Barker looked good early in the round, but Martinez landed some good shots towards the end to take it.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:54 PM EDT reply actions
Jim Watt of Sky has it even at this point
I’m not sure how, but there you go.
R10 10-8 Sergio, 99-91 same
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 1, 2011 11:57 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
10-9 Martinez, 97-94
First round where Martinez looked like himself. Rocked Barker with a right hand, battered him around the ring. Barker did a good job of covering up and blocking most of the incoming fire to give himself time to recover.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 1, 2011 11:58 PM EDT reply actions
He messed up his equilibrium I suppose..
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
There it is!
Martinez TKO 11 Barker.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 2, 2011 12:00 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Clean punch, landed around the glove right behind the ear.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 2, 2011 12:01 AM EDT reply actions
That’s a pretty um..suspect KO.
by The Boxer Rebellion on Oct 2, 2011 12:02 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
That was a much closer fight early on than HBO wanted to sell you, but Sergio really pulled away late prior to the KO.
Jim Watt reckons that...
Barker “showed that Martinez is very, very beatable indeed.”
I don’t know about that, but I hope it entices Mayweather.
Barker’s not half bad, and his strategy to not give Martinez opportunities to counter was working great, up until the point that Martinez said ‘fuck it’ and just starting punching Barker in the face, at which point Barker stopped throwing punches.
by Verklemptomaniac on Oct 2, 2011 12:04 AM EDT reply actions
I haven't seen the fight
But based on the comments here, it seems there’s a very specific kind of fighter Martinez has problems with (since Narker isn’t that dissimilar to Cintron). His handlers best keep him away from Golovkin.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
by Brickhaus on Oct 2, 2011 12:05 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Interesting scrap. Barker put that guard up and looked formidable for a good long while, if he had more power and was a bit busier, he could’ve did some damage. Kudos to him, he put up a good fight. But…damn, even with his gloves up Sergio still got to Barker. Some guy this Martinez, huh? Entertaining fight for what it was.
Motherfucker — power went down tonight and I missed everything. Now I will…watch everything.
Bad Left Hook
"To the town of Agua Fria rode a stranger one fine day..."
Invest in this...
"Boxing is dirty," said Casamayor. " The day I’m not ready to be a dirty fighter is the day I don’t fight anymore because it will mean that I have no heart for it anymore."
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