Hennessy Sports wins purse bids to stage Macklin-Barker

Hennessy Sports have announced that they have won the purse bids to stage Matthew Macklin's European middleweight title defence against Darren Barker which were opened at the EBU's offices in Rome today. Promoter Mick Hennessy reportedly outbid Frank Warren and Double A Promotions (Andy Ayling). In a short statement, a delighted Hennessy said he hoped to announce a date and venue to stage the eagerly anticipated domestic clash within the next fortnight.

The Hennessy-promoted Barker and Macklin were originally due to meet on 18 September until Barker was forced to withdraw after sustaining a hip injury. Despite Hennessy Sports' understandable jubilation, cynics will wonder if this fight will indeed go ahead with Macklin chasing a world title shot in 2011.