By Kevin Byrne

CARL FRAMPTON has backed his best mate Paddy Barnes to bring home gold from London.

Belfast light-flyweight Barnes has qualified for his second Olympics and took bronze in Beijing four years ago.

Frampton said: “It just proves the first one wasn’t a fluke. He medalled at the last Olympics and to become a two-time Olympian is unbelievable as it is.

“But he’ll be going there hoping to medal again and not just that – he’ll be there to win the thing.

“Any tournament that Paddy Barnes goes into now he has a good chance of winning it.

“He can beat any of them on the day. The Chinese lad Zou Shiming is still the favourite but Paddy can beat him with a bit of luck.

“You never know but Paddy will be going there to win.”