BELFAST BOXER PADDY Barnes, who claimed Olympic bronze medals in 2008 and 2012, has announced his retirement from the sport.
The 32-year-old represented Ireland at a third Olympic Games in 2016, carrying out the flag in Rio before turning professional later that year.
As a pro, he forced a decision victory against Silviu Oiteanu to claim the vacant WBO European flyweight title at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. In 2018 he fought Cristofer Rosales at Windsor Park for the WBC flyweight title, but suffered a fourth-round defeat.
His last fight was a fourth-round loss to jay Harris in Belfast’s Union Hall last month.
“I have loved every minute of boxing, it has been my life for the past 21 years,” Barnes said in a statement on Twitter.
“I have achieved my dream of becoming an Olympian and getting to carry the Irish flag at the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Those moments were the proudest of my career.
Professional boxing was never a dream of mine but I tried and threw myself into the deep end straight away. It didn’t work out but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I’d like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my entire career, my wife Mari for keeping my feet firmly on the ground and helping me towards my goals.
“I want to thank my parents Jimmy Linden, Gerry Storey, Seamy McCann and everyone at the Holy Family boxing club.”
It is his exploits as an amateur that will remain Barnes’ lasting legacy. His runs to the semi-final stage of Olympic competition in both 2008 and 2012 were halted by China’s Zou Shiming, who went on to claim gold on both occasions.
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Great Warrior, correct decision in my view, proud fighter and I wish him all the best in his retirement.
A proper sportsman. A person I’d genuinely would like to meet. The best of luck Paddy.
legend
Right time to go. Was a great amateur but probably regrets not going pro sooner. He didn’t get the tomato can opponents most boxers get at the start.
@Quentin Tarantino: wasn’t it a big mistake to ever go pro. .? He was a great way amateur.
Legend, great man, good luck in retirement.
I look forward to the autobiography. What a sportsman.
Had huge respect for him until he got mixed up with MTK
he deserved a lot more from the game. I remember his Twitter posts from the Rio Olympics. It was fantastic getting all the selfies with whoever he could. But his boxing achievements ate something to be proud of. Pity it didn’t take off in the pro game.
@still champ champ: I have always found selfies with celebrities a tad pathetic. But each to his own
@Fionn Falcao: I’ve always found unnecessary negative comments pathetic but each to their own.
Class act, best of luck in your retirement Paddy
Great sportsman who should be proud of his achievements in the ring. However, will never get the credit he deserves, since he associates with MTK/drug dealers/murderers.
It’s a shame he cant take a body shot… he could’ve been a world champion
@Thomas Byrne: I’d suggest he probably could take a body shot considering the amount of fights the man had at every level and the medals he won.