Paddy Barnes on top of the podium today
Rio 2016 Olympian Paddy Barnes was back on top of the podium at the Socikas Invitational tournament in Kaunas, Lithuania after beating Martin Salvador in today’s final.
The Belfast dynamo, boxing at fly, was in sparkling form and took control of the contest from the outset and outclassed his Spanish opponent – Barnes taking all three rounds comfortably.
“It was an excellent performance from Paddy, said Irish team manager Bernie Harold. “He took control from the first round up and we’re delighted with the win.”
Barnes beat two Spanish opponents en route to gold in Kaunas. World Elite champion Michael Conlan was also boxing at the tournament. Conlan’s semi-final bout with Moldova’s Veaceslav Goran was stopped in the second round yesterday after Conlan, who was well ahead on points, picked up a facial cut.
Socikas Tournament Kaunas, Lithuania
May 19th S/Finals
52kg Paddy Barnes (Ireland) beat Gabriel Escobar (Spain) 3-0
56kg Michael Conlan (Ireland) beat Veaceslav Goran (Moldova) RSCI2
May 20th Finals
52kg Paddy Barnes (Ireland) beat Martin Salvador (Spain) 3-0
Irish squad
Paddy Barnes (Holy Family)
Michael Conlan (Clonard)
Team manager: Bernie Harold
Coaches: John Conlan and Jimmy Payne
Physio: Molly Ryan