Paddy Barnes has confirmed that he’s leaving amateur boxing to pursue a career in professional boxing.
The Belfast native revealed that after experiencing the Olympics on several occassions he is now ready to take the next step and go pro.
“Now it’s time to go pro, I’ve been in the amateurs too long and I want a new challenge,” he told The Irish Times.
“The experience was brilliant, but after a few Olympics I know what it’s like. My debut will possibly be before Christmas in Belfast. It’s my home city so it would be great to begin my career there.”
However, the 29-year-old admitted that he will be disappointed to leave the world of amateur boxing without having received a gold medal, but he’s confident that bringing back the world title will make up for it.
“I’ll still be disappointed with my (amateur) career, not winning a gold medal.”he said.
“That will never leave me, but bringing back the world title is something that’s just as recognisable. That will in some ways make up for it.”
We wish Paddy the best of luck in his professional boxing career!
