MARAVILLA TO DEFEND WBC DIAMOND BELT ON OCTOBER 1
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 22 Sep 2011
Sergio "Maravilla/Marvell" Martinez will defend his WBC Diamond Belt against big "Dazzling" Darren Barker in the Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic ity, New Jersey on October 1.
The WBC says that "not many people in America might know about Barker, but he is big in Europe" and is undefeated with a n impressive record of 23-0-0, 14 KO.
Barker won the vacant European Boxing Union Middleweight title defeating Domenico Spada by a twelve round unanimous decision in London last April 30. He had previously won the British Commonwealth middleweight title.
The hard-hitting Barker had also won the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC) British middleweight title and the BBBofC Southern Area middleweight title...
Barker began his career on September 24, 2004 with a winning punch and now is the next contender for the WBC Diamond belt.
The WBC Diamond belt is regarded as a "jewel" that was first won by pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao in his title fight against Miguel Cotto.
Since then three other fighters have won the belt. They are Sergio "Maravilla", Bernard Hopkins and female champion Ana Mar?a Torres...
The 36 year old Martinez from Argentina was voted "Fighter of the Year" for 2010 by the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America succeeding Pacquiao.
In his last fight Martinez successfully defended his title with an 8th round TKO over Serhiy Dzinziruk after dropping the challenger five times, once in the 4th, once in the 5th and thrice in the 8th round prompting referee Arthur Mercante Jr to call a halt at 1:43 of the round.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026