Geale to follow fellow Aussies with debut US boxing win
Published:Kostya Tszyu, Michael Katsidis and Danny Green are three of the bigger Australian names to have secured some boxing headlines this century and what is common about this trio is that they all secured success on their US debuts.
As the reigning IBF middleweight champions, Daniel Geale is arguably the biggest boxing star currently emanating from Australia and he is now readying for his first trip across the Pacific Ocean.
Lying in wait is British number-six ranked challenger Darren Barker, with the fight the first that will take place at the Revel-Casino Hotel, a new casino resort in Atlantic City.
Geale is the 4/6 favourite to make a fifth successful defence of his belt in what will only be his second career fight outside of his homeland.
The previous two have both resulted in split decision victories on German soil over home fighters Sebastian Sylvester and more recently Felix Sturm.
Geale rates Barker as the best of the British middleweight contingent, which also includes Matthew Macklin and Martin Murray, as he is regarded to be the most skilful of the trio, rather than simply continually walking forward.
However, Barker has already had one failed attempt to become a world middleweight champion when he was stopped in 11 rounds by Sergio Martinez, having started the fight promisingly.
The fact that Geale’s last five bouts have all gone the distance does give Barker some hope and the Barnet boxer is convinced that he hits harder and is stronger than the champion.
The difference could be that although Geale’s effective style may be described as boring in some corners, he is fairly awkward, has quick handspeed and a likeness for throwing double or even triple jabs.
Geale is the rightful favourite, with Barker needing to show that he is capable of stepping up into this sphere, rather than being a European level fighter at best.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
