By Elliot Foster
Paddy Barnes has rubber-stamped his name as a professional fighter by signing a managerial deal.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist, who was Ireland’s flag-bearer at Rio 2016 in Brazil, had a glittering amateur career but has made the decision to leave behind the vest and headguard and will instead punch for pay from now on.
Barnes is also a two-time Commonwealth gold medallist as an amateur, boxed in the World Series of Boxing and won a host of national titles.
But after bringing the curtain down on the first phase of his boxing career, as Boxing Scene reported on September 16, the 29-year-old has inked a deal with MGM Marbella.
“I've enjoyed every minute of my time as an amateur,” Barnes said, “and my achievements are something I am very proud of.
“Representing Ireland has always been my ambition and now I hope to emulate that success as a professional.”
Barnes had offers from all over the place, promoters and managers wanting to grab a piece of him, but he eventually decided that his future lies with the Puerto Banus-based organisation.
“After the Olympics there was many offers on the table,” he continued, “but being part of [the team at] MGM was the natural choice and one I’m delighted with.
“I honestly believe I have the ideal team to guide me to world title opportunities.”
Official details regarding Barnes’ debut will be revealed in the near future, while Boxing Scene understands he is being lined up to make his bow in the paid ranks on November 5 at Belfast’s Titanic Exhibition Centre, exclusively live on BoxNation, as part of the undercard to Jamie Conlan’s next Commonwealth super-flyweight title defence.
“Paddy is a special talent,” the MGM management team said. “To represent your country with such distinction is a reflection of the ability he possesses.
“We anticipate Paddy will feature prominently on the world stage and we look forward to many great nights for Irish boxing moving forward.”
