IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker believes that Felix Sturm may decide to retire from boxing should he beat the German in Saturday's bout in Stuttgart.
The 31-year-old from Barnet won the title by overcoming Daniel Geale on points in August and is making his first defence against the former WBO and WBA titlist.
"It is [about] me putting an end to Felix Sturm's career, as harsh as that sounds, and letting my reign start," Barker told Sky Sports News. "I'm looking forward to a long reign as world champion.
"He's one of the old guard if you like. He was the champion for about six years, a great fighter who I will never be naive enough to take lightly, but I'm extremely confident that it's my time.
"That's not me being nasty or anything like that, by saying he will call his career a day. He's been there, he's fought everyone, he's been champion for years. I think when I beat him, that will be enough. He's got enough money, he's achieved lots in the sport. It will be easy for him to hang up his gloves."
Sturm has lost three times - to Oscar de la Hoya, Javier Castillejo and Geale - and drawn twice in 44 fights.
Michael Penkman
