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Macklin has criticised Barker's chin, but the 2002 Commonwealth gold medal winner insists he can mix it if the need arises. "My natural toughness has been underestimated when it comes to fighting in the trenches because I'm tall, upright and a smart boxer," he said. "But I'm a competitive person and I love the sport. If this fight does go into the trenches I'll be ready for war.
"Something that always gets brought up is my chin, but I've been knocked down twice and that's it. "I've sparred with the biggest hitters you can imagine and didn't move. I haven't been knocked out.
"I've been wanting to fight Matthew for a while now and the two-year difference will suit me more.
"We're both 28 but I'm a younger and fresher 28 while he's been in some wars and is an old 28. That will show on September 18."
"Something that always gets brought up is my chin, but I've been knocked down twice and that's it. "I've sparred with the biggest hitters you can imagine and didn't move. I haven't been knocked out.
"I've been wanting to fight Matthew for a while now and the two-year difference will suit me more.
"We're both 28 but I'm a younger and fresher 28 while he's been in some wars and is an old 28. That will show on September 18."
Darren Barker insists domestic bragging rights will be just as important as retaining his titles when he meets Matthew Macklin.
Barker's British, Commonwealth and European middleweight belts will be on the line at Birmingham's LG Arena on September 18 in the nation's mostly highly anticipated showdown of the year.
The unbeaten 28-year-old from Barnet currently trails Macklin in the domestic rankings but is ready to knock him off top spot.
"I've got the titles but there's something that's missing and that's number one status. I want to be number one in the country," he said.
"There's no point having the titles but not being number one. I believe I'm number one but I need to prove it."
Barker's British, Commonwealth and European middleweight belts will be on the line at Birmingham's LG Arena on September 18 in the nation's mostly highly anticipated showdown of the year.
The unbeaten 28-year-old from Barnet currently trails Macklin in the domestic rankings but is ready to knock him off top spot.
"I've got the titles but there's something that's missing and that's number one status. I want to be number one in the country," he said.
"There's no point having the titles but not being number one. I believe I'm number one but I need to prove it."
BARKER WANTS BRAGGING RIGHTS
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Sport
By Duncan Bech, Press Association Sport