Darren Barker made a magnificent start to his career as an England senior amateur international when he won the gold medal at the Multi-Nations tournament in Budapest on Saturday.

His fine performance has enhanced his claims for a place in the England team for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester in July.

"It was a tremendous achievement by Darren in his first senior international tournament," said his proud father, former ABA light-flyweight champion Terry Barker, at a party at the Barkers' home in Mays Lane, Barnet, on Sunday.

The supreme fitness of Darren, a 19-year-old postman, proved a great asset as he faced a punishing schedule of three bouts in four days in the 63.5kg class.

His first-round bout against a Hungarian opponent last Wednesday proved an exciting affair, Darren winning 12-11.

The semi-final clash with a Slovakian on Friday was even tighter, with Darren's skills earning him the verdict on a countback, after a 19-19 draw.

After those closely-contested affairs, Darren was expecting a tough time in the final against Yury Ramanan of Belarus, but he boxed brilliantly and emerged a decisive winner by a score of 21-13.

Darren's main target now is to become ABA light-welterweight champion, after narrowly missing out in the semi-finals last season.

The light-welterweight fighter begins his quest for an ABA title in the North-East Divisional Championships at York Hall, Bethnal Green, next Thursday.