By Dan Ambrose: WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (44-0-1, 31 KO’s) could be back in the ring in March 2012 against British middleweight contender Darren Barker (23-1, 14 KO’s) according to boxing news from Dan Rafael.

Middleweight contender Andy Lee has been ruled out by Chavez’s promotional company Top Rank due to Lee being a southpaw. Sergio Martinez, the former WBC champion, looks as if he’s going to be ignored as a potential opponent.

It’s pretty obvious that the 36-year-old Martinez is considered too dangerous for the young 25-year-old Chavez Jr., who isn’t even close to being ready for a fighter like Martinez, if he ever is. That’s the way it is. It’s a business decision and it’s doubtful that Martinez will be getting any chance at fighting Martinez unless he suddenly loses his skills.

Barker, 29, was stopped in the 11th round in a fight against Martinez last month on October 1st. Barker fought remarkably well and gave Martinez all kinds of problems until Martinez figured Barker out and stopped him with some hard left hands to the head.

Barker was able to land his jabs against Martinez but had a problem letting his hands go with much else. Barker fought in too much of a conservative manner in that fight, and looked as if he was afraid to throw any power shots for fear that he would leave himself open to getting countered. With not much to react to, Martinez was stuck throwing pot shots through much of the fight until he finished a tired and hurt Barker off in the 11th.

By choosing Barker rather than the #1 contender Marco Antonio Rubio, Chavez Jr. would be getting a relatively safe choice. Barker fought in a timid manner against Martinez and he’s not much of a puncher. Chavez Jr. wouldn’t have to worry as much as he would if he faced Rubio, who with his power would give Chavez Jr. all kinds of problems.

The one issue about Barker, though, is whether HBO will be on board with this pick? Barker did little to try and win the fight against Martinez last time out and the fight was frankly boring because of it. HBO might not want to see Chavez Jr. face a guy that does little other than to jab and play it safe.