Former IBF middleweight champion Darren Barker has announced his retirement from professional boxing after failing to overcome a long-term hip injury.
The 31-year-old defended his IBF belt against Felix Strum in Stuttgart last month, but a problematic hip, which has plagued him for years, has now forced him to hang up his gloves.
"I'm so proud and happy at what I've achieved when I won my first national title as a kid I could have retired a happy boy then so to have won all the major titles possible for me I'm a very, very happy man. I did this all for my brother Gary – we did it mate! I'm now looking forward to sitting back and being a keen fan and wishing all my fellow countrymen all the best in their careers," Barker said in a press release.
"I would like to thank my family for their support without them none of what I achieved would have been possible. My fantastic friends and all the fans that brought tickets to my fights and travelled the country and world supporting me I really appreciate it and thank you.
"Tony Sims – he constantly got the best out of me and he's more than a fantastic trainer, he's a mentor and very good friend. Eddie Hearn and the rest of the guys at Matchroom Sport for getting me the big fights and elevating me to another level and ultimately getting me the fight that helped me realising a dream and I've also met some friends for life there."
Barker, who won gold at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, triumphed in 26 of his 28 professional fights.
Matt Law
