Daniel Geale will defend his IBF middleweight world title for the fifth title and have his first fight in the US as he takes on Brit Darren Barker in Atlantic City today. We’ll have updates from 11.30am AEDT.
Daniel Geale has the chance to cement a place in Aussie boxing history, and a stake a claim for global notoriety.
His opponent, Englishman Darren Barker, is a legitimate threat. Ranked number nine in the world by BoxRec, with Geale at number three, he will be no pushover.
He is gunning for Geale’s belt and has only been beaten by Sergio Martinez, the Argentine who is the number one middleweight on the planet.
Geale wants a shot at Martinez, and the power-punching number Gennady Golovkin, but first he has to build his profile in the States and earn some cred.
Dismantling Barker will help do that.
Geale’s journey to this point in his career, after conquering two Germans in Germany, and earning some revenge over Anthony Mundine, has been a proud one.
The humble former KFC employee from the Apple Isle has been in the fight game for a long time, but his career will explode if he can win this fight.
On the verge of great things, and perhaps another world title, Geale cannot afford to lose.
Though, neither can his opponent. A 31-year-old who has been afflicted by injury and personal setbacks, and who had his only other world title shot brought down by Martinez’s magic, it’s unluckily he will get another opportunity if he doesn’t win.
Geale and Barker are evenly matched, similar fighters who do the basics well and who don’t shirk their roles in the ring. If my opinion, Geale should get over the top of Barker but it won’t be a walk in the park. Read more about my analysis here – http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/08/17/geale-vs-barker-analysis-preview-prediction/
Whichever way it goes, fight fans should be in for a real treat. On the undercard another Aussie, undefeated featherweight fighter Joel Brunker, takes on Mike Oliver.
The card also features undefeated Colombian Jonathan Romero against Kiko Martinez Spaniard Kiko Martinez at super bantamweight, Puerto Rico’s undefeated welterweight Thomas Dulorme versus American Francisco Figueroa, and Cuban Yordenis Ugas fighting North Carolinian John Williams.
For all the round-by-action action and updates, tune in from 11.30am AEDT.
The Greatest Game Of All
Guest
I didn't watch the fight but im reading most people agree Geale won the last round, but apparently two judges gave the last round to Barker, interesting the judge who scored 116-111 to barker gave the last round to Geale. I'll definitely buy the rematch if it happens.
Frankie Hughes
Guest
Rather poor tactics employed by Daniel Geale. He should've followed the gameplan executed by Sergio Martinez. Also Geale had no rematch clause in the contract. Hopefully Geale still gets his shot at Martinez
Martin D.
Guest
I would have scored the fight narrowly to Geale or a draw at worst. The 116-111 to Barker was bizarre....but not surprising for boxing.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Not a great night for Aussie boxing or Aussie sport. The Poms get us again. Daniel Geale will be back though, too talented and hard-working to rule him out.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Split decision reveals how close it was. Devastating for Daniel Geale, a truly nice guy and gentleman of Australian sport. Full credit to Darren Barker, showed so much heart and determination.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
DECISION: 114-113 for Geale, 116-111 for Barker and 114-113 for Barker. Barker wins! Geale loses his world title, wow
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 12 Barker still very aggressive. Then Geale lands a big right hand and a left hook. Thats better from Geale. Needs more. Now Barker looks tired. Then Geale catches Barker, lovely. Barker just holding on a little, Geale definitely wins this round. Question is, is it enough? I'm glad I'm not a judge.
Kevin
Guest
Come on Daniel. Thanks for the updates John. Kevin, Northern Tasmania
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 11 Geale needs a big round here. Barker is not giving up though, he's giving it everything. Geale needs to up his workrate. He looks a little tired. Barker still coming forward and more busier now. Bit of blood over Barkers left eye. Close but Barker should have that round. Very tight, Geale needs to win round 12.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 10 Barker throws some good overhand rights. Then Geale counters. Geale has real class. Works the body so effectively. Then Barker unleashes some body shots, good punches. Barker lands another big overhand right. Barker wins that round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 9 Good variety of punches from Geale. Lands a few long right hands. Geale's reflexes just a little quicker. Then Geale lands a left hook. Barker responds in kind. The Pom is showing real heart. But Geale has nicked that one.
Sl
Guest
Cmon Dannny Boy
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 8 Both fighters going toe-to-toe for a bit early. Geale showing more purpose. Barker's lagging. Barker warning for pushing Geale's head. It's a really see-sawing round, tough to score. On a pinch I'd give it to Geale.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 7 That was a great body shot from Geale in the last round. In this round Barker is attacking Geale, Geale a bit quieter. The Aussie looking for another good body shot. Barker on the front foot, but Geale countering at times beautifully. Barker could have that round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 6 Better from Barker. Then a tidy right from Geale. Barker still coming forward. Then Geale lands a low blow? or was it a knockdown? Ref says it was a knockdown! And Geale moves in for the kill. Tries to finish Barker offer. Barker fights back. Great guts from Barker. Compelling drama. Barker survives the round, what drama!!
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 5 Both fighters showing a bit of damage around the eyes. Another close round. Both fighters having some success with one-off uppercuts. Geale lands a few body shots. Barker loading up with his punches. Then Geale lands another flurry of body shots. Geale landing a bit more, I think he might have that round though could be an even round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 4 Geale lands a tasty uppercut. Better effort from the champ. A great spell from Geale. He needs to counter and not stand & trade. Then Barker rocks Geale with an uppercut. Jeez this is close. Lovely fight. Geale trying to stop Barker's forward march. Then Geale lands a low blow on Barker. Ouch. Right in the genitals. That would have hurt. No point deduction though, just a warning. Geale wins that round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 3 Barker looking strong but Geale is moving well. Barker telegraphing his punches a bit. But then lands a good jab. Both fighters trade a bit there but better stuff from Barker. He takes that round.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 2 Geale throwing a nice 3 punch combination and ducking a few hooks from Barker. Nice uppercut from Geale. Geale's speed causing Barker a little trouble. Barker almost catches Geale on the ropes for a few seconds. Another good combo from Geale. Barker warned for a low shot. Geale takes that round for his early work.
John Davidson
Roar Guru
Round 1 Geale starts with a left hook. Barker happy to trade. Geale throwing more but Barker countering well. Barker looking for power, Geale throwing some nice combos. Barker finishes the round well and aggressively. Pretty even round, split I'd say.