Paddy Barnes has announced his retirement from boxing.
In a brief statement he shared on Twitter tonight the North Belfast fighter said that after “taking some time” he has decided to retire.
He added: “I have loved every minute of boxing, it has been my life for the last 21 years. I have achieved my dream of becoming an Olympian and getting to carry the Irish flag at the Olympic Games opening ceremony. Those moments were the proudest of my career.
“Professional boxing was never a dream of mine, bit I tried and threw myself into the deep end straight away. It didn’t work out but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I’d like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my entire career, my wife Mari for keeping my feet firmly on the ground and helping me towards my goals.”
The 32-year-old had said last month he was considering his boxing future after being beaten by Jay Harris in a flyweight bout at the Ulster Hall.
It was a third professional defeat for Paddy, who is a two-time Olympic bronze medalist.
In his statement this evening he went to thank a number of people including his parents, Jimmy Linden, Gerry Storey, Seamy McCann and Holy Family Boxing Club.
He thanked his professional coach Danny Vaughan “who has been great to me” as well as promoters MTK.
He added: “I am forever grateful, especially for my world title fight.”
Paddy finished his message with a thanks to the “fans that supported me”, adding “you all made it worthwhile. Thank you. The Leprechaun.”
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