Barnes Wins War of The Roses by Dan McGovern Nov 13th 2004

In a much anticipated showdown for the British Welterweight Title, David Barnes (15-0-0 8KOs) and James Hare (30-1-1 16KOs) clashed at Northbridge Leisure Centre in fight that few could predict the winner of, so evenly matched were the combatants. Barnes, looking to secure the Lonsdale belt outright, is a champion whose reign has been over shadowed by the controversy of his vacant title triumph over Birmingham's Jimmy Vincent. Hare, on the other hand, had been regarded as one of British boxing's best prospects on the world stage, prior to a humbling defeat at the hands of quality import Cosme Rivera. The packed hall simmered with anticipation as the contestants entered the ring and the throughout the introductions both boxer's paced their respective corners, tense but ready. As both men are principally counter punchers, Barnes from the southpaw position, this was always going to be a more tactical and evenly paced battle then the ‘Uncivil War' tagline would have us believe, but this was an ‘industry fight' and a quality pairing. The fight got underway with Barnes on the offensive, attacking with quick lead hooks. Neither man would over commit on their punches initially, as the felt each out. Hare navigated the rings perimeter with ease and switched position skillfully to find room for a hard right hand. The second round saw Barnes' advantage in hand speed well established but Hare was unfazed and forced his Lancastrian rival to the ropes. As Barnes looked to advance, Hare tagged the ex-para and it appeared that Hare's edge in experience could well overcome Barnes' natural advantages of youth and speed. Barnes broke the deadlock in the third, principally with his sharp lead hand hook. Hare opened the stanza by circling the ring and the confidence he had gained from the opening two rounds saw him engage Barnes and sit down onto a six punch flurry. Barnes responded with quick single shots and managed to seemingly shake the ‘Robertstown Rocket' with a lead hook, followed by a stiff straight left. As the bell sounded Hare headed towards the neutral corner and had to be shepherded back to his own corner. There was also damage to both Hare's eyes already. It was going to be a hard night's work for the experienced challenger. Barnes looked confident as he came out for the fourth, stalking Hare as he uncorked a straight left lead. Hare stemmed the tide with a clever combination, but Barnes was determined. A dazzlingly quick one-two combination from Barnes floored Hare heavily. His advantage in speed was really troubling the Yorkshire man. Hare fought back well, demonstrating his championship caliber, cleanly catching Barnes with a cultured lead uppercut. His grit was commendable, but after being dropped and bruised so early, could he come all the way back? The fifth round was a quieter one for the champion, as he looked for the big finisher. He landed a lead straight left to open the round but Hare was fiddling his way back into the contest. Hare landed some good lead right hands on his southpaw foe but Barnes' downturn in output was apparent. Hare opened the sixth round by going on the offensive, in an attempt to regain control of the bout. Barnes switched to using movement to counter the advancing Hare. The Yorkshire man landed with a well timed one-two, but it was to be his final hurrah. Barnes sunk Hare with a hard left hand, dropping the battered challenger in a delayed reaction. The fight had drained out of Hare at this point and whilst he wearily rose to his feet at the count of nine, Referee Chris Kelly wisely halted proceedings, in the process handing the precocious young Mancunian a Lonsdale belt to keep, as well as a world ranking which could act as a spring board to higher honors. This battle turned out to be far more one sided then had been generally anticipated but it was an enthralling contest none the less. Hare's trainer Chris Aston was confident of his charge's chances prior to the fight and felt the training camp had gone well. Perhaps the defeat to Rivera had taken more out of Hare then had been originally thought, or perhaps Barnes's speed would have always troubled the intelligent stylist? What ever the case, it will be a long way back for Hare after such a comprehensive defeat and he may well wish to take a decent break and contemplate his fistic future. Barnes, on the other hand, thoroughly exercised his demons with this scintillating display. His speed and apparent power are a potent combination, which could well see him move beyond domestic class in the coming months. Brian Hughes has brought the one time military deserter on well and can look forward to further title fights and big nights as he fulfills his undoubted potential.

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