Darren Barker to make first title defence against Felix Sturm

Experienced German Felix Sturm has been confirmed as Darren Barker's opponent for the first defence of his IBF middleweight title‬ on December 7.

The Barnet-born brawler won the strap courtesy of a split-decision victory over Daniel Geale in Atlantic City back in August of this year.

Sturm, 34, is his mandatory opponent, but is unwilling to travel to Britain to fight 31-year-old Barker, and therefore the bout will take place in Stuttgart.

Barker, who has been beaten just once in his 27-fight professional career, has revealed his desire to move onto compatriot Martin Murray after his world title defence.