Darren Barker beats Daniel Geale to take IBF world middlewight title

Darren Barker took the IBF world middleweight crown by winning a gruelling fight against Daniel Geale by a split decision in Atlantic City.

The Briton, 31, was floored by a body shot in the sixth round and just got up before the end of the referee's count.

Barker recovered and he went on to win the world title which eluded him in 2011 when he lost to Sergio Martinez.

The Barnet fighter dedicated his win to his late brother Gary, who died in a car accident in 2006.

"Not many people know the journey I've been through," Barker told Sky Sports. "It's been a real Rocky story.

"I dedicate this to my late brother. Everything I've done is for him."

Barker took the fight to Australian Geale and had the better of the early rounds before being caught with a powerful left hook to the body in the sixth.

Geale appeared to be taking command of the fight but Barker emerged from his rival's onslaught to finish strongly.

"I take my hat off to Daniel Geale," Barker said. "He's a great champion and a tough, tough man.

"He caught me right in the solar plexus and completely took my breath away from me."

He added: "I was in absolute bits. I was gone. But as the seconds went on my brother and daughter, they got into my head.

"I showed I've got heart and a lot of people didn't think I did."