Promoter’s dream Barnes could be World Champ in 18 months says Breen

The only real post-Olympic certainty is the professional discussion.

Both success and failure to medal are often seen as perfect reasons to turn over. Every fighter will face questions regarding their future fight path and whether or not it will involve a vest or not.

One such fighter that will be surrounded by pro speculation, and will certainly be the subject of offers, is amateur legend Paddy Barnes. Having made it to three Olympics, medaling in two, the Belfast little man is likely to seriously consider the paid ranks.

Indeed, he has before stated he would turn pro if the right offer was made and also confidently predicted he wouldn’t be long about strapping a World title around his waist.

One respected trainer certainly agrees. Belfast coach, John Breen, who feels a ‘new challenge’ my suit the amateur legend, believes Barnes is a promoters dream and could be a World Champion within 18 months.

“I could see Paddy fighting for a World flyweight title within 18 months if he decides to turn professional,” said Breen when speaking to David Kelly of the Belfast Telegraph.

“He’s obviously going to move up to flyweight or super-fly and in that division as a pro Paddy would move up the ladder very quickly. Usually a professional will start off with a four-rounder but with the amount of experience that Paddy has he could go straight into an eight-rounder and within a few fights he could be fighting for the British title.”

“Because of his popularity and the profile he has, I would think that plenty of promoters would be very keen to sign him — he’s going to sell tickets and he’s not going to need a lot of time to build him up into a championship fighter.”