Barker and Butler weigh in for title clash tomorrow

Murphy's Sports Bar in Brentwood hosted the weigh-in for Hennessy's ITV4 show tomorrow.

Darren Barker weighed in at 11st 5 3/4 lbs for his British and Commonwealth middleweight title fight with late replacement Danny Butler who weighed 11st 5 1/2 lbs.

Both men looked lean and in similarly good shape.

It was low key and poorly attended, with no more than fifty onlookers, most of whom were Barker fans.

After the strip off I grabbed a word with both men.

First up was challenger Butler who said this was a great opportunity. Danny jumped at the chance to replace original challenger Wayne Elcock and because he trains twice a day, making the weight cased little concern. Butler believes he has the style to win and this was backed up by Jane Couch who said "We are here to win." 

"He (Barker) is not a machine. He has got two arms and two legs."

Butler's body looked good, but his face bore the marks of war which could prove a telling factor if old wounds are opened.  It is less than two weeks ago than he had a hard though scrappy battle for the English belt with Darren McDermott - a contest Butler lost by a solitary point.

Defending champion Barker said he was frustrated but not moved by the late change and feels his trainning camp will pay off. "I've got a job to do, to win those titles."

He offered respect to Butler for taking the bout.

Darren feels his hand speed will be the key to his victory.

After this he is looking forward to "taking on the best". Although he wouldn't be drawn on a precise prediction Darren went on to say "Just a Darren Barker win."

"I want to get in with the best. I will keep plugging away next year and hpefully the world title will come."

Both men looked relaxed and respectful, but I see Barker's speed and accuracy as the main ingredients to secure a stoppage inside seven rounds.

Lee Purdy weighed in at 10st 6 3/4 lbs while opponent Mark Douglas scaled 10st 6 1/2 lbs. They will contest for the Southern Area welterweight title.

Bradley Evans scaled 9st 4 3/4 lbs for his fight with John Baguley who weighed 9st 9lbs.

Tickets are still available and doors open at 6pm.