By Shaun Campbell: ‘Dazzling’ Darren Barker (22-0 14KO’s) and Matthew Macklin (28-2 19KO’s) are finally set to go at it after promoter Mick Hennessy secured the rights to the fight. The fight will be for Macklin’s European middleweight title, a belt in which both men have held, and loss (although neither man has lost the belt in the ring). The pair were due to fight last year but Barker had to pull out of the proposed bout due to a hip injury, which has fortunately cleared up now.

This could prove to be a fight of the year candidate, and will generate huge interest amongst the British public as it is two of the best domestic fighters in any weight division that do not hold a world title. Macklin is rarely in a dull fight, and Barker has the desire to prove he belongs on the world stage. Macklin has the all round strength, punching power, and toughness. Where as Barker has fast hands and pure boxing skills. It’s an intriguing match up, and a question many people are asking is “where does the loser go from it?”

The Birmingham favourite Macklin is on the verge of a world title fight against either Sebastian Sylvester or Dmitry Pirog. But all the hard work could be for nothing if he can not overcome Barker, who has an impressive record to boast. And or Barker it would prove the biggest name on his record if he could overcome Macklin and regain the European title. Similarly both men looked unimpressive in their last outings, but they both seem to raise their games the bigger the fight. The winner will probably get a world title shot in 2011, so both will look to put on a show, resulting in potentially a thrilling encounter.

Either man could win in what truly is a 50/50 fight, which seem all too rare nowadays in boxing. Credit must be given to both fighters, as they could probably both get a title shot within the next two years even if they didn’t fight each other. But it has never been in their characters to do things the easy route. Personally, for me the favourite is Matthew Macklin, but that’s not to say I’d be surprised if Darren Barker pulled off the victory. A great fight could be in store.