Today at 3pm EDT, Sky Sports will have Darren Barker's bid to regain the again-vacant European middleweight title against Domenico Spada, and Bad Left Hook will be here with live coverage.
Barker (22-0, 14 KO) is just outside of the top ten worldwide at 160 pounds, and is a pretty big favorite against Spada (32-3, 16 KO). Spada's three losses have all been by decision against decent fighters -- two to Sebastian Zbik (one legitimate, one questionable) and one to Mahir Oral back in 2007, which was a split decision.
Dave Oakes previewed the fight yesterday, so let's turn to his analysis:
As well as the gulf in technical ability, Barker’s got massive height and reach advantages over Spada and is undoubtedly the puncher in the fight. Spada’s only got one way of fighting and if he fails to get inside Barker’s rapier like jab and unsettle the Barnet banger then there’s only going to be one winner.
I can see Spada having sporadic successes in the first three or four rounds but he’ll be in trouble as soon as Barker finds his rhythm and starts to pick his shots. Spada’s chin is solid but I feel that Barker, who hits hard and accurately, can take Spada out at any moment, especially if Spada walks onto a big shot.
Join us this afternoon!