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Roommate McComb advises ‘legend’ Barnes to retire

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Sean McComb believes Paddy Barnes should retire and revel in his status as as a legend of the amateur game.

The two-time Olympic bronze medal winner suffered his third pro career defeat in the Ulster Hall on Friday.

Post the stoppage reverse to European champion Jay Harris the Belfast favourite strongly hinted at retiring, suggesting if he couldn’t compete at continental level there was no point.

In a bid to become the fastest Irish fighter to a world title Barnes has taken massive early risks in the pro game. They haven’t paid off and it appears as if the Irish fight icon may never fight again.

McComb, who also fought on the card, stated that “Barnes has achieved enough to go out with his held high and advises he should do just that. “

The Belfast southpaw feels the former Olympian remains an Irish boxing legend and suggests things just didn’t work out for him as a pro.

“He has represented Ireland for over a decade at the top level. He has two Olympic bronze medals, two Commonwealth medals, two European medals, he was WSB World champion in the amateurs,” ‘The Public Nuisance’ told IFL TV when discussing his impressive win over Emiliano Rodriguez last Friday.

“He has done it all in the amateurs, and he is a legend for that alone.”

“You have the likes of Carl Frampton who is a legend in the pro game, but not the amateurs.”

“My advice to Paddy would be to get out, get a job and live the good life.”

McComb – who rooms with Barnes during training camp – added that “I am gutted for Paddy. I share a room with him and live with him every day.

“I cook his food, clean his clothes and everything else. I won’t know myself if he takes a break. I am sure he will take a break over Christmas and take stock of what he wants to do.”

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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

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