Darren Barker won the vacant British middleweight title by stopping Danny Butler in the seventh round.

The current Commonwealth champ had been scheduled to face Wayne Elcock before the Birmingham fighter pulled out of the bout with a stomach virus to leave 22-year-old Butler facing the biggest test of his career.

The Bristolian was a willing worker throughout the contest but Barker's class showed as his tactics worked perfectly to force referee Ritchie Davies to step in after 47 seconds of the seventh round.

Barker was dominating when Davies called a halt to the bout and he is delighted to add the British crown to his collection.

The 27-year-old told ITV 4: "It means the world to me. I have never overlooked the British title. It was a professional job and the dream lives on.

"We believe we are ready to go all the way. I am a smart, intelligent boxer and I can go all the way."

Butler was disappointed that he was unable to make the most of his opportunity but there were no regrets after the fight.

"I gave it my all and he beat me. Fair play to him, he beat me and will go on to big things," he said after the third defeat of his professional career.