Paddy Barnes

Paddy Barnes
Barnes at the 2016 Olympics
Born
Patrick Gerard Barnes

(1987-04-09) 9 April 1987 (age 37)
Belfast, Northern Ireland
NationalityIrish
Other namesThe Leprechaun
Statistics
Weight(s)Flyweight
Height5 ft 4 in (163 cm)
Reach64+12 in (164 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights9
Wins6
Wins by KO1
Losses3
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing  Ireland
Olympic Games
Bronze medal – third place 2008 Beijing Light flyweight
Bronze medal – third place 2012 London Light flyweight
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2010 Moscow Light flyweight
Silver medal – second place 2013 Minsk Light flyweight
EU Championships
Silver medal – second place 2008 Cetniewo Light flyweight
Representing  Northern Ireland
Commonwealth Games
Gold medal – first place 2010 Delhi Light flyweight
Gold medal – first place 2014 Glasgow Light flyweight

Patrick Gerard Barnes (born 9 April 1987) is an Irish former boxer who competed as an amateur from 2005 to 2016 and as a professional from 2016 to 2019. As an amateur he competed in the light-flyweight division, representing Ireland at the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympics; winning bronze medals in Beijing and London, and represented Northern Ireland at the 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games; winning a gold medal apiece at the two events.[1] As a professional, he challenged for the WBC flyweight title in 2018.

Early life

[edit]

Barnes began boxing aged 11. He later joined the East Coast Boxing club. Barnes had an amateur record of 2-19 after his first 21 fights Aged 16, he joined Holy Family ABC in Belfast.[citation needed]

Amateur career

[edit]

2007 | European Union Amateur Championships

[edit]

In 2007, Barnes competed at the EU Championships in Dublin. He had his medal hopes crushed however when he suffered an eye injury. With bleeding found behind his retina, Barnes was forced out of the competition.[2]

2007 | World Amateur Championships

[edit]

At the World Championships in Chicago Barnes missed out on a bronze medal after he was defeated by China's Zou Shiming in the quarter-finals, Zou went on to win the gold medal. [citation needed]

However, Barnes qualified for the 2008 Olympics by virtue of getting to the quarter-finals.[3][4][5]

  • 1st round – defeated Choi Jon Chuk North Korea North Korea 33–19
  • Round of 32 – defeated Sadegh Zade Faraj Iran Iran 30–10 (RSCO)
  • Round of 16 – defeated Kenji Ohkubo Japan Japan 24–6
  • Quarter final – lost to Zou Shiming China China 8–22

2008 | European Union Amateur Championships

[edit]

In 2008, Barnes returned to EU Championships, this time in Cetniewo, Poland.[citation needed]

Barnes made it to the final where he lost to Hungarian fighter Pál Bedák. The silver medal was enough to secure his place at the Summer Olympics.[citation needed]

2008 | Olympic Games

[edit]

Barnes won Ireland's inaugural medal, at the 2008 Summer Olympics, by winning his quarter final bout in the light flyweight division. Barnes won a bronze medal after he was defeated in a second match with Shiming Zou in the semi-final, in a match where replays showed some of Barnes landed punches counted as points for Zou.[citation needed]

2010 | European Amateur Championships

[edit]

On 12 June 2010, Barnes won the gold medal in the light flyweight division at the 2010 European Amateur Boxing Championships. Barnes, a 4–1 winner over Azerbaijan's Elvin Mamishzade, was 1–0 up at the end of the first round, 3–1 ahead at the end of the second and sealed the victory with a final point in the third for 4–1.[6]

2010 | Commonwealth Games

[edit]

Barnes represented Northern Ireland at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.[7] He won the gold medal, defeating Namibia's Jafet Uutoni 8–4 in the final.

  • Round of 16 – defeated Iain Butcher  Scotland 4–2
  • Quarter final – defeated Andrew Moloney  Australia 5–3
  • Semi final – defeated Amandeep Singh  India 5–0
  • Final – defeated Jafet Uutoni  Namibia 8–4

2012 | Olympic Games

[edit]
Barnes at the 2016 Olympics

At the 2012 Summer Olympics he defeated Thomas Essomba from Cameroon 15–10 then beat India's Devendro Singh in his quarter-final bout to guarantee himself at least another bronze medal. In doing so, he became the inaugural Irish boxer to win medals at two consecutive Summer Olympics.

For the semi-final, Barnes once again drew Chinese superstar Zou Shiming, who had defeated Barnes in the 2008 semi-finals before taking gold. Barnes gave a fearless performance against the three time World champion, with the judges tying them 15–15 on the scorecards, only for Barnes to lose via a 45–44 countback. Shiming once again went on to win gold.[8]

2014 | Commonwealth Games

[edit]

As captain of the Northern Ireland boxing team in 2014 at Glasgow, Barnes led the way by winning gold in the flyweight division defeating India's Devendro Singh. It was the first time a Northern Irish boxer had successfully defended a Commonwealth title.[1]

The tournament was held at the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre. 17 boxers from 17 nations took part.[citation needed]

After the competition, Barnes accepted an honour, the MBE, in the 2015 New Year Honours, for services to boxing and the community in Northern Ireland.[9][10]

2015 | World Series of Boxing

[edit]

Barnes competed in the WSB for the 2014–2015 season. Along with Michael Conlan, he was drafted by Italia Thunder. His first fight came against Magomed Ibiyev of the Baku Fires, in Baku. Barnes won with a 49–46, 49–46, 50–44 unanimous decision.[11]

His second fight was another win, this time over Anthony Ortiz as Italia Thunder met the Puerto Rico Hurricanes. The judges scored it 48–47, 49–46, 49–46 as Barnes took another unanimous decision win.[12]

The Hussars of Poland were next up, in Konin. Barnes continued his perfect start to the season with a landslide 50–45, 50–43, 50–45 victory over Sebastien Jagodzinski.[13]

His record for the season went to four wins with four unanimous decisions, when he defeated Kazakh fighter Temirtas Zhussupoy of the Astana Arlans in Kazakhstan.[14] His next fight was in Maiquetia, with a split decision win over Caciques de Venezuela's Finol Rivas. The judges scored the bout 49–45, 49–45, 47–48 in favour of Barnes.[15]

2016 | Olympic Games

[edit]

Barnes was also chosen to be the bearer of the Flag of Ireland Tricolour at the 2016 Summer Olympics, something that Barnes considered an "incredible honour".[16][17] At the 2016 Summer Olympics Barnes was defeated 2–1 by Samuel Carmona in the round of 16.[18]

Provincial and National Titles

[edit]

Barnes lost the Ulster title in 2005, 2006 and 2007. He faced Jimmy Moore from Limerick in each of his national finals being runner up in 2006 but winning the All-Ireland title in 2007 and 2008.[19][20][21]

World Series of Boxing record

[edit]
6 fights 5 wins 1 loss
By decision 5 1
No. Result Record Team Opponent (Team) Type Round, time Date Location Notes
6 Win 5–1 Italia Thunder Venezuela Yoel Finol (Caciques de Venezuela) SD 5 18 Apr 2015 Venezuela Maiquetia, Venezuela
5 Win 4–1 Italia Thunder Kazakhstan Temirtas Zhussupov (Astana Arlans) UD 5 28 Feb 2015 Kazakhstan Almaty, Kazakhstan
4 Win 3–1 Italia Thunder Poland Sebastien Jagodzinski (Hussars of Poland) UD 5 13 Feb 2015 Poland Konin, Poland
3 Win 2–1 Italia Thunder Puerto Rico Anthony Ortiz (Puerto Rico Hurricanes) UD 5 31 Jan 2015 Italy Palermo, Italy
2 Win 1–1 Italia Thunder Azerbaijan Magomed Ibiyev (Baku Fires) UD 5 18 Jan 2015 Azerbaijan Baku, Azerbaijan
1 Loss 0–1 Italia Thunder Algeria Mohamed Flissi (Algeria Desert Hawks) SD 5 13 Mar 2014 Algeria Algiers, Algeria WSB debut

Professional career

[edit]

Barnes vs. Slavchev

[edit]

After his amateur success, Barnes turned professional and made his debut as a bantamweight against Stefan Slavchev on 5 November 2016. Slavchev lifted Barnes into the air during the fourth round, so Barnes won the bout via disqualification.[22]

Barnes vs. Rosales

[edit]

On 18 August 2018, Barnes challenged Cristofer Rosales for his WBC world flyweight title. Barnes got off to a fast start, but was introduced to Rosales' power early in the first round. In the fourth round, Rosales caught Barnes with a vicious right-hand uppercut to the solar plexus. Barnes fell on the canvas and wasn't anywhere close to beating the count, which meant a KO victory for Rosales.[23]

Barnes vs. Harris

[edit]

On 11 October 2019, Barnes faced Jay Harris. Barnes was dropped by his opponent both in round three and round four. The latter proved to be the final one, as Barnes was not able to beat the count, and Harris was awarded the KO victory.[24]

Retirement

[edit]

In November 2019, Barnes announced his retirement from professional boxing.[25]

Professional boxing record

[edit]
9 fights 6 wins 3 losses
By knockout 1 2
By decision 4 1
By disqualification 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
9 Loss 6–3 United Kingdom Jay Harris KO 4 (10), 2:12 11 Oct 2019 United Kingdom Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland For vacant IBF Inter-Continental flyweight title
8 Win 6–2 Nicaragua Joel Sanchez PTS 6 3 Aug 2019 United Kingdom Marquee Falls Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland
7 Loss 5–2 United States Oscar Mojica SD 6 17 Mar 2019 United States Hulu Theater, New York City, New York, US
6 Loss 5–1 Nicaragua Cristofer Rosales KO 4 (12), 3:00 18 Aug 2018 United Kingdom Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland For WBC flyweight title
5 Win 5–0 Nicaragua Eliecer Quezada KO 6 (10), 3:06 18 Nov 2017 United Kingdom SSE Arena, Belfast, Northern Ireland Won vacant WBO Inter-Continental flyweight title
4 Win 4–0 Spain Juan Hinostroza PTS 6 6 Oct 2017 United Kingdom Meadowbank Stadium, Edinburgh, Scotland
3 Win 3–0 Romania Silviu Olteanu MD 10 17 Jun 2017 United Kingdom Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland Won vacant WBO European flyweight title
2 Win 2–0 Argentina Adrian Dimas Garzon PTS 6 10 Mar 2017 United Kingdom Waterfront Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland
1 Win 1–0 Bulgaria Stefan Slavchev DQ 4 (6), 2:05 5 Nov 2016 United Kingdom Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, Northern Ireland Slavchev disqualified for lifting Barnes

Marriage

[edit]

Barnes and Mari Burns, parents of two daughters, wed in July 2017 at St Bernard's Catholic Church, north Belfast.[26] Barnes is also an Irish Speaker, and received a Silver Fáinne in 2019.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Paddy Barnes wins gold at Glasgow". Irish Sun.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2014.
  2. ^ O'Hara, Eamonn; Hawkins, Thomas (27 July 2007). "McCrory eyes some success in Liverpool". Antrim Boxing. Antrim Boxing.
  3. ^ "Barnes loses world quarter-final". BBC Sport. 2 November 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  4. ^ "Barnes earns Olympic Games berth". BBC Sport. 1 November 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  5. ^ Bernard O'Neill. "IABA Update – Barnes qualifies for 2008 Olympics". Mightgloves. Archived from the original on 10 January 2008. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  6. ^ "Barnes 'over the moon' with gold medal". RTÉ Sport. Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 12 June 2010. Retrieved 17 June 2010.
  7. ^ "Home nations boxers in Delhi finals". BBC News. 12 October 2010.
  8. ^ "LIVE: Paddy Barnes loses Olympic semi-final on countback". RTÉ News. RTÉ. 10 August 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2012.
  9. ^ "No. 61092". The London Gazette (Supplement). 31 December 2014. p. N16.
  10. ^ 2015 New Year Honours List Archived 2 January 2015 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ^ "Paddy Barnes makes up for Michael Conlan loss". Belfast Telegraph. Retrieved 27 May 2017.
  12. ^ PALERMO WSB DOUBLE FOR BARNES AND CONLAN – Irish Athletic Boxing Association Archived 18 April 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Iaba.ie (31 January 2015); retrieved 25 August 2016.
  13. ^ Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlon win in Poland, Rte.ie; retrieved 25 August 2016.
  14. ^ Murphy, Darragh. (28 February 2015) Mixed fortunes in WSB as Paddy Barnes continues streak while Mick Conlan tastes defeat, sportsjoe.ie; retrieved 25 August 2016.
  15. ^ Barnes and Conlan book places at Rio 2016, Rte.ie; retrieved 25 August 2016.
  16. ^ Rio 2016 Olympics: Paddy Barnes will be Ireland's flag bearer at Games – BBC Sport. Bbc.com (27 April 2016). Retrieved on 2016-08-25.
  17. ^ O'Riordan, Ian (27 April 2016). "Barnes honoured to carry flag at opening ceremony". The Irish Times. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
  18. ^ "Paddy Barnes: 'Just as well I got beaten because I would have been embarrassed next week'". Irish Independent. 8 August 2016. Retrieved 9 August 2016.
  19. ^ Peter Scrivener (27 November 2007). "Funding worries for boxer Barnes". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  20. ^ Bernard O'Neill. "EU Championship Preview". Irish-boxing.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  21. ^ Tomás Rohan. "2007 Irish Seniors Preview". Irish-boxing.com. Archived from the original on 16 October 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2007.
  22. ^ Foster, Elliot. "Paddy Barnes Wins On Debut In Belfast Homecoming". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  23. ^ "Cristofer Rosales knocks out Paddy Barnes in four, retains WBC 112-pound title". The Ring. 18 August 2018. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  24. ^ Donovan, Jake. "Jay Harris Blasts Out Paddy Barnes in Four Rounds". BoxingScene.com. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  25. ^ "Barnes retires from professional boxing". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
  26. ^ "Love match for Paddy Barnes as boxer weds Mari Burns". Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
[edit]
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Iain Butcher
WBO European flyweight champion
17 June 2017 – January 2018
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Mirco Martin
Vacant
Title last held by
Donnie Nietes
WBO Inter-Continental flyweight champion
18 November 2017 – June 2018
Vacated
Vacant
Title next held by
Sunny Edwards
Olympic Games
Previous:
Katie Taylor
Flagbearer for  Ireland
2016 Rio de Janeiro
Next:
Brendan Irvine and Kellie Harrington