Former amateur star Darren Barker is looking forward to his first professional appearance in London when he boxes on the Hennessy Sports ‘Born To Do It’ promotion at the Wembley Conference Centre on November 12th.

The Barnet boy first stepped through the ropes without a vest back in September at the Nottingham Arena when impressively dominating former world title challenger Howard Clarke over six lively rounds.

His supporters were vocal that night. An even livelier reception can be expected this time round.

“There is a bit of a buzz around Barnet for this one,” explained the 22-year-old. “A good few of the locals travelled up to Nottingham to cheer me on, but a lot more are coming this time round.

“Wembley is only a stones throw away and this is my first time out in the Capital, so it should prove something of an occasion.”

Barker can always be relied upon to put on a show. As an amateur he excited, most notably landing a commonwealth games gold medal in 2002 on the BBC.

The nation celebrated with him as he sank to his knees when awarded a decision over Ugandan Mohammed Kayongo in the final.

“That win was the culmination of so much hard work, a dream come true,” added ‘Dazzling’.

“I am pretty confident there will be plenty more moments like that in the future.

“Every day I grow in confidence in the gym under Tony Simms, I am constantly becoming a better and better professional.

“If they hadn’t abolished the light middleweight ranks in the amateurs I would most probably have not turned over yet, but now that I have I am pleased.

“I have handled the switch well, particularly the move to three minute rounds. I went straight into a six rounder against Clarke and breezed it.

“But there is no rush. There is so much to learn in this game and I am happy to absorb it at a reasonable pace, whilst gaining experience on Hennessy Sports under cards.

“I am not saying I wont be targeting titles in a few fights time, but I know I wont be at my peak probably for another 4 years.

“By that time I will be more than ready to hit the genuine world championship scene.”

‘Born To Do It’ takes place at the Wembley Conference Centre on Friday November 12th. The headline contest sees Junior Witter defend his European light welterweight title against Poland’s Krzystof Bienias. A full bill is available at www.HennessySports.com. Tickets are available on 0870 060 0870.