Barnes turns professional and targets Belfast debut

Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes has announced his decision to turn professional.

The 29-year-old two-time Olympic medallist has said he is seeking “a new challenge” by moving into the professional ranks.

“Now it’s time to go pro, I’ve been in the amateurs too long and I want a new challenge,” Barnes told Paddy Power.

He added that he expects his debut fight to be “before Christmas” and in Belfast, competing in the flyweight division.

“It’s my home city so it would be great to begin my career there,” said Barnes.

“I’m going to start off at a flyweight, hopefully move through the weights and probably end up bantamweight at the end of my career.”

Barnes won bronze for Ireland at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympics.

He carried the flag for his country in Rio this summer but left the Games empty-handed, after suffering a shock defeat in his opener.

Reflecting on his amateur career, Barnes said: “I’ll still be disappointed with my (amateur) career, not winning a gold medal.

“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.”

And looking ahead, Barnes added that he hopes for a rematch with the man who defeated him in Beijing and London - Zou Shiming.

“I obviously want to win a world title, but the fight that I really want is the guy from China - Zou Shiming,” said the Belfast fighter.

“He’s the big money fight and he’s the one who I’ll be targeting. I want to win the world title, go to China and defend it against him.”