Elcock braced for his last chance

Elcock's opponent has won all 20 of his professional fights

Birmingham middleweight Wayne Elcock claims he will hang his gloves up for good if he is unable to regain his British title against Darren Barker.

Elcock returns to the ring on November 28, eight months after losing his crown to Solihull's Matthew Macklin.

"Nearly half my career was spent with people saying the next could be my last fight," the 35-year old told BBC WM.

"But if I'm being realistic I would say if I can't pull this off then it is time to hang the gloves up."

The bout against the unbeaten Barker, 27, will take place at Brentwood Leisure Centre, and gives Elcock one more chance to challenge at the highest level.

And he is determined to put all memories of that Macklin defeat firmly out of his mind.

"This is a fantastic stage and opportunity to prove that was nowhere near the fighter I know that I am and can be," he stressed.

Elcock was 25 when he turned professional, and has won 19 of his 23 fights so far, nine by knockout. And he is eager to have another crack at the now European Champion Macklin.

"He's not really tied up with anyone as such - it's a big draw for Birmingham," he noted.

"But I've got to prove myself against this Darren Barker who's a massive task for me, especially with his record.

"By beating him it would put me right back in the mix."