UNDEFEATED local middleweight Darren Barker knows he cannot afford to make any mistakes when he bids to add the British title to his Commonwealth crown at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday night against former champion, Wayne Elcock. The two men will clash

UNDEFEATED local middleweight Darren Barker knows he cannot afford to make any mistakes when he bids to add the British title to his Commonwealth crown at the Brentwood Centre on Saturday night against former champion, Wayne Elcock.

The two men will clash live on ITV4 on a Hennessy Sports Promotion and the Commonwealth champion is already setting his sights on bigger title nights in 2010.

"I don't want to look too far ahead, but I think I am ready to step up to the world scene - and I aim to look good against Elcock to prove I'm ready," said the former Repton amateur title winner.

"To fight for the British title is a huge honour and it's something I've dreamed of ever since I was a kid - to get my hands on a Lonsdale belt," he admitted.

"Elcock will obviously be fired up for this one because it's a big chance for him to get back on top again," said the Commonwealth champion.

"I've a lot of respect for him, he was a great British champion, he's beaten some good men and he's challenged for the world title."

Barker has been left waiting for his chance at winning a Lonsdale belt ever since then champion Matthew Macklin vacated the title to bid for EBU honours, rather than face his number one challenger.

Meanwhile, Barker's stablemate, Bobby Ward, another former Repton title winner, aims to put another victory on his undefeated pro record in a supporting bout on the show.

The supporting action at the Brentwood Centre will feature Lee Purdy defending his Southern Area welterweight title against Mark Douglas.

Another former Repton favourite also based at the Hainault gym, middleweight Danny Cadman, returns after a three-year break from boxing with a bout on the bill.

Also on the undercard are bouts featuring exciting light-middleweight Yassine El Maachi and unbeaten prospects Bradley Evans, Phil Fury and Steve Barnes.

Tickets are available from Hennessy Sports box office on 08448 884402.

BRIGHT Newham prospect Vidal Reilly made it six straight victories on the Waltham Forest show, when he outpointed highly-rated Dublin youngster Craig Bonney on Friday night.

With 10 wins in 11 bouts, Bonney travelled from Ireland hoping to get a match against a top London rival - and he certainly got his wish granted, with Reilly giving him a terrific contest.

The outstanding youngsters provided a thrilling spectacle, with the Newham boxer's more effective attacks earning a deserved decision.

Another Newham boxer in winning form on the Waltham Forest show, Casey O'Riordan also showed sharp-hitting form to finish a points winner over Birmingham rival Jack Marsh.

Former double national champion John Chris McDonagh, back in action after a break from boxing, outpointed Newham rival George Moughton.

Jack England was a winner in Newham colours on Friday's Farnham show, when he outpointed Portsmouth opponent John Pritchard, but Henry Johnson (Newham) was outpointed by Brian Stevens (Farnham).

PEACOCK heavyweight hope James McDonagh suffered a second-round defeat in the London ABA Novices final at York Hall on Sunday, where he was outgunned by Finchley rival Al Joshua.

Joshua showed his form in the semi-final when his power-punching ended the hopes of Fitzroy Lodge entry Chris Francis in the second round.

McDonagh made a brave attempt to take his rival out of his stride with his first round attacks, but the Finchley hope slammed back in the second session.

He forced home the powerful hooks that forced the referee to move in and call a halt in Joshua's favour.

The winners from the London championships move on to the national quarter-finals at the Five Star BC Harold Hill on Sunday.