Crossfire: Hare-Barnes by Ronnie McCluskey Nov 9th 2004

Undefeated British welterweight champion David Barnes will lay it all on the line against live wire James Hare, in Halifax on Friday night. Surprisingly, champion Barnes has opted to fight one of the toughest opponents available, in a bout which will decide whether he realises his boyhood dream of holding a Lonsdale belt. In similar situations, fighters have elected to take it easy, and ensure grabbing the title first. But Barnes likes to do things the old fashioned way. Friday night will witness potentially the best domestic 'boxing' match in years. Perhaps it wont be one for the part-time fans. But the purists will be soaking it up. Barnes, the ice-cool counter-puncher against Hare, the slick but dangerous box-fighter. Two excellent welterweight champions in their prime, squaring off in a crossroads fight is exactly what British boxing needs right now. With Nicky Cook losing recently, and Craig Dochertys European bid ending in defeat, a real patriotic show seems to be on the cards. One of the reasons this fight is sure to catch fire is their mutual flaws. Hare was shown to be incomplete last year, as he was systematically busted up by Mexican Cosme Rivera. On the other hand, Barnes was given a stern test by rugged journeymen Jimmy Vincent. Their weaknesses are there to be magnified, and its up to James Hare and David Barnes to expose the others. For me, this is Hares toughest fight to date, save for Rivera. He has never beaten a fighter like Barnes. Jan Bergman was certainly tough, but the slickness and craft of the British champion is uncharted territory for the Robertown man. Similarly, David Barnes has never met a fighter with the quality of Hare. He's mixed it with good opposition, considering his number of fights, but Hare is another level altogether. Although fans may be completely at-a-loss to fathom the winner of this fight, it is clear what both men will do. Hare and Barnes are both consumate boxers. They will go out there, and try to 'outfox' the other. In past instances of this, we have witnessed boring bouts, but this has enough passion and flare to capture the publics imagination. Both have fast hands, and both can punch. A recipe for destruction, most definitely. Will Hare's defeat to Rivera prove a stone in his shoe, or will the former WBF champ put it behind him, and emulate the first 'stage' of his career? Will Barnes defy his tender years, and keep his famed head in such a heated battle? Look for Barnes to start slow, and the first 3 rounds to be highly tactile. Neither man likes to over-commit and I'm sure they have enough mutual respect to see what the others bringing to the table. Barnes dropped the early rounds against Scot Kevin McIntyre last year, and looked at-a-loss to overcome his opponents strength advantage and workrate. As we found out, it was merely a ploy. Barnes led McIntyre into a false sense of security, and like a tiger, pounced on his unknowing victim. Definitely something for Hare to look out for. Unlike in some fights, where the occasions overwhelms the eager fighters, this will be a controlled bout. Both men fight far beyond their years. Barnes has one of the coolest heads in a crisis, and Hare knows all the ins-and-outs. They are there to do a job, and its as simple as that. I predict a David Barnes victory. Hare is a classy operator, but I feel his laziness at times will leave gaping holes in his defence. I feel sure the wily fox Barnes will capitalise. Either way, we're in for a cracker, folks.

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