Darren Barker claims IBF middleweight crown

Darren Barker has become the new IBF middleweight champion after getting off the canvas to defeat Daniel Geale in Atlantic City.

The 31-year-old was floored by a vicious body shot in the sixth round but he recovered to beat the Australian by split decision.

One judge scored the fight 114-113 in favour of Geale, but the other two judged the fight 116-111 and 114-113 in favour of the British fighter.

Barker told Sky Sports News: "I take my hat off to Daniel Geale. He's a great champion and a tough, tough man.

"He caught me right in the solar plexus and completely took my breath away from me. I was in absolute bits. I was gone.

"But as the seconds went on my brother and daughter, they got into my head. I showed I've got heart and a lot of people didn't think I did."

The Barnet-born boxer's victory could open the door to a domestic world title clash with Martin Murray or a bout with German Felix Sturm.