• IBF Middleweight

Sturm stops Barker in two after Brit's hip problem

ESPN staff
December 7, 2013
Sturm was too quick for Barker in Germany © Getty Images
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Darren Barker's first defence of his IBF middleweight champion lasted less than two rounds as Felix Sturm proved too much at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart.

Sturm made a fast start in the first round and caught Barker with two huge left hooks.

The Londoner tried to get back into the fight by working Sturm's body but the German was landing everything with his left hand.

Then, early in the second, disaster struck as two brutal right-handers from Sturm had Barker seeing stars. The Brit hit the deck hard, but managed to beat the count.

It did not take long before he was on the canvas again and Barker gestured to his corner that he had a problem with his hip - which was later proved to be dislocated.

Trainer Tony Sims threw in the towel and Barker's IBF middleweight defence was over before it had barely started.

Barker had a clause in his contract for a rematch and a victorious Sturm said he would be happy to fight Barker in London.

Sturm's record now stands at 39 wins (18 KOs), three defeats and two draws, while Barker drops to 26 wins and two defeats.

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