Oct 4 2011
Previously undefeated middleweight
Darren Barker fought better than anyone expected … and still lost virtually every round against
pound-for-pound #3 Sergio Martinez. Barker bloodied, and possibly broke, the nose of Martinez in round four but had few other highlights. Martinez outworked the defensive-minded Barker in round after round before finally scoring an eleventh round KO. The final punch was a right hook that Barker partially blocked but, having already absorbed a number of hard shots, Barker was unable to beat the count of referee Eddie Cotton. After ten round, Martinez was ahead on the cards 99-91, 97-94 and 96-94.
Punch Stats: Total Punches: Martinez - 261-of-691 (30%); Barker - 155-of-408 (38%). Power Punches: Martinez - 138-of-329 (42%); Barker - 76-of-181 (42%).
On the undercard, middleweight contender Andy Lee avenged the only loss of his professional career with a lopsided ten round unanimous decision over Brian Vera. Vera won by seventh round TKO in their first meeting back in March 2008. This time it was all Lee as indicated by scores of 99-90 twice and 98-91. Lee, trained by Emanuel Steward, may get the next shot at Sergio Martinez.
Martinez would prefer a big name opponent but Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are unlikely to move up in weight to face him. Rising stars Saul Alvarez and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. are not yet ready to be matched with a world class talent like Martinez. The winner of the Dec. 3 Miguel Cotto - Antonio Margarito bout is a somewhat more likely option.
However, if the 36-year-old Martinez really wants to cash in, he may have to move up to super middleweight to face the likes of Andre Ward, Carl Froch or Lucian Bute. Even Bernard Hopkins has expressed interest in meeting Martinez at a catch weight of 170.
Who would like to see Sergio Martinez fight next, assuming he's unable to lure either Pacquiao or Mayweather to move up in weight? Vote in our poll.
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