Paddy Barnes (blue) in action
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association wish Paddy Barnes the very best of luck in his professional career.
The Belfast light-flyweight today announced he has agreed terms with Macklin’s MGM of Marbella.
Barnes claimed two Olympic bronze medals for Ireland, European gold and European Union medals in a highly impressive career in an Irish vest.
He also competed at three Olympics, Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, and won two Commonwealth gold medals.
The multiple Irish Elite champion qualified for Rio 2016 after winning seven World Series of Boxing (WSB) fights with Italia Thunder to claim the one place available for light-flyweights through the WSB.
Barnes,Team Ireland flag bearer at Rio 2016, said: “I’ve enjoyed every minute of my time as an amateur 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”.