DUDLEY boxer Darren McDermott’s attempt at the Commonwealth middleweight title has ended in controversy and despair after he was defeated by Darren Barker.

McDermott, nicknamed “The Black Country Bodysnatcher”, was stopped thirty seconds from the end of the fourth round of the fight at Watford Coliseum tonight.

Referee Dave Parish stepped in after McDermott was felled by a searing right hand shot from the impressive Barker – who will now go on to face Birmingham’s Matthew Macklin for the British crown.

The decision angered McDermott’s corner who were insistent their man could have continued but the 30-year-old gas fitter will now have to regroup before deciding his next move in the sport.

In truth he had struggled for rhythm from the opening bell, with the smoother Barker connecting with a number of strong right-handers in the first round.

McDermott came back in the second, catching Barker with a left hook as he was roared on by his travelling army of supporters. But again it was the champion who edged the round as Macca continued to take the more shots.

Back came McDermott again in the third round with a good cut and right-hand combination but Barker continued to hit cleanly and control the fight.

McDermott’s failure to prevent these shots eventually proved his undoing as he was put on the canvas by Barker thirty seconds before the end of the fourth.

The challenger took an eight second count before Parish ruled he was unfit to continue.

A clearly emotional McDermott protested his case but it was to no avail.