By Paddy Appleton

Paddy Barnes has revealed that he still gets pre-fight nerves, just as he did when he was a younger boxer.

Nerves are a part of every sport at the highest level and the biggest and best athletes experience them too, but Barnes believes it is dealing with them correctly that holds the key to success.

“Every fight, no matter who I’m fighting, I still get really, really nervous. I walk into the ring and think, ‘What am I doing here?” said the 2010 European and Commonwealth gold medallist.

“It’s just something you have to get over. Once that bell goes and you’re in the ring, they all sort of fade away.

“I know all the boys get nervous, and I pretend I’m not, but really I am. You can use it to your advantage though as being here is what it is all about.

“I never show it to my opponents, I try to intimidate them and I think it works well enough for me,” said Barnes.

There will be plenty of nerves next week when the first bell rings in the ExCel Arena in London, but it will take a sharp pair of eyes to recognise it on Barnes.