Headline News

Entertainment guaranteed – Paddy Barnes predicts Continental war

Paddy Barnes [6(1)-2(1)] expects to cement his status as a serial entertainer when he tops an Ulster Hall bill on October 11.

The three time Olympian takes on European champion flyweight champion Jay Harris [16(8)-0] on what looks to be another solid #MTKFightNight.

It’s yet to be revealed if the Continental strap will be on the line come the Autumn fight night, but Irish-boxing.com believe it should be confirmed as the prize on offer in the coming week – meaning Barnes could be afforded the chance to join the likes of Rinty Monaghan and Damaen Kelly as Belfast EBU flyweight title holders.

Regardless of what’s at stake Barnes is confident those in attendance and those watching live on ESPN+ and via youtube on IFL TV will be entertained.

‘The Leprechaun’ expects the pairs aggressive style means an all action affair is odds on- and that excites one of Irish boxing’s more noted action men.

“I can’t wait for this fight. It will be a great exciting bout because Harris is an aggressive fighter like myself so I already know he will be in my face and I wont have to go looking for him which suits me,” said Barnes.

“It is good it’s in Belfast as the fans wont have to travel far, but we are both experienced fighters so it doesn’t matter where it is. It’s going to be a brilliant fight.”

The Belfast element is welcomed by Barnes, but he predicts more than just the knowledgeable local following will take the fight in.

“After I fought on ESPN+ in New York, even though I lost, I gained a few thousand American fans as they loved watching me fight. They would message me asking me when I’m fighting next, so I’m sure they will tune in again.”

paddy barnes

Speaking about the fight promoter Lee Eaton said:

“Jay Harris vs. Paddy Barnes is a superb fight with big rewards on offer to the winner, and there will be even more great fights announced.”

Confirmed to fight alongside Barnes are Marco McCullough, Sean McComb, Gary Cully, Lewis Crocker, Sean Duffy, Callum Bradley and Pierce O’Leary.

The bout will be Barnes’ second since New York defeat at bantamweight to Oscar Mojica and his third since he lost out in a WBC world title fight to Cristofer Rosales.

The 32-year-old defeated Joel Sanchez last time out on the Féile an Phobail card.

dpg

Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

x