Darren Barker: 'I have the beating of Felix Sturm'

IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker believes that he has the ability to defeat Felix Sturm when the two clash in Germany in December.

Barker will defend the world title that he won against Daniel Geale in August, and while he has acknowledged Sturm's qualities, the Londoner has insisted that he will prevail on what he believes will be a "great occasion".

The 31-year-old told Sky Sports News: "Felix is a quality boxer and was a great champion, and a massive star in Germany.

"He's beaten some excellent fighters and had a couple of great fights with my Brit rivals Matthew Macklin and Martin Murray, but I truly believe that I've got his number.

"It's a great first defence for me because he's a huge name but one that I really believe I have the beating of, and I'm sure it's going to be a great occasion."

Barker has lost just once in 27 encounters, while Sturm has won 38 of his 44 professional bouts.