Australian Daniel Geale lost his IBF middleweight world boxing title today with a split points decision defeat to English fighter Darren Barker.
The fight headlined the event held at the Revel Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey which also featured Australian Joel Brunker on the card.
Barker took control of the early rounds but Geale started to find his groove as the fight went on. Barker had to come off the canvas in the sixth round as Geale dropped him with a left body punch.ย
Neither boxer dominated the other and a close verdict at the final bell was expected. In the end, two judges awarded the fight to Darren Barker 114-113, 116-111 while the other had it to Geale 114-113.
It was a fairy-tale victory for Barker who took a break from the sport seven years ago when his brother, Gary Barker was killed in a car accident.
โNot many people know the journey I have been through,โ Barker commented post-fight.ย
โItโs been a real rocky story. I dedicate this for my mate brother. Gary this is for you.โ
With the win, Barker moves his record to 26-1 while Geale drops his second career professional fight to move to 29-2.
โI am not going to whinge and cry and carry on. It just didnโt go my way tonight. Iโm extremely disappointed,โ Geale commented after the fight.
โI knew it was going to be tight. Iโm extremely disappointed.โ
Earlier in the night, Australian 2004 Olympian Joel Brunker kept his professional undefeated streak going with a unanimous decision win over American Mike Oliver. With the win which was his second on American soil, Brunker took his record to 27-0.