Darren Barker's reign as IBF world middleweight champion was brought to an abrupt end tonight as the Barnet-born fighter's first defence ended with him being stopped in the second round by Felix Sturm.

Barker clinched the title almost four months ago after defeating Daniel Geale and prior to tonight’s bout in Stuttgart said he wanted to end Strum’s career.

However, the German made a fast start to the contest and caught Barker with two big left hooks in the opening round.

The Londoner looked to respond with shots of his own but Sturm’s left hand continued to do damage.

Sturm, a former WBO and WBA world champion, looked to dominate in the second and maintained an aggressive approach.

Barker wasn’t moving well as the round progressed and the Brit was sent to the floor after he was caught by a strong right hook from Sturm.

Barker looked shaken but attempted to fight back. Another right sent him down for a second time and Tony Sims threw in the towel to end the bout with a minute left.

It was confirmed after the fight that Barker had suffered a dislocated hip in the first round which hampered his movement.

By winning the bout, Sturm became Germany’s first four time world champion and stated he was willing to travel to London in the future to give Barker his contracted rematch.