Sport

Injury deprives Barnes of medal hopes

BOXING: PADDY BARNES has put his devastation at not being able to defend his title to one side and is backing his Irish team…

Mon Jun 13 2011 - 01:00

BOXING:PADDY BARNES has put his devastation at not being able to defend his title to one side and is backing his Irish team-mates to finish in podium positions at the European Championships in Ankara, Turkey.

The Belfast fighter, who claimed European light-flyweight gold in 2010, was due to travel to Ankara on Saturday as part of a 10-man Irish squad for the Continental deciders.

But the 24-year old Olympic bronze medallist was left devastated on Friday after the results of an MRI scan on his left hand showed he had ligament damage and bone bruising.

“I was really looking forward to getting a crack at trying to win my second European gold and then this happened. I’m gutted, absolutely gutted,” said Barnes.

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“I’m in great shape as I’ve been training hard for the tournament, and then this. It’s hard to take to tell the truth, especially as I was so near I wanted to win a second gold but risking further injury is not worth it.”

But the Holy Family BC dynamo believes the Irish squad – which is now down to nine boxers – can finish in podium positions in Ankara.

“The lads have the talent to bring home some medals from Turkey, definitely. We have nine champions out there and they all have ability. I would be confident that they will do well.”

Barnes (gold), Darren O’Neill (silver) and three bronze medals wins for Ken Egan, Tyrone McCullagh and Eric Donovan saw Ireland bag five medals at the 2010 European finals in Moscow.

But following Barnes’s injury and Egan, McCullagh and Donovan losing their Irish vests to Joe Ward, John Joe Nevin and Mike McDonagh, O’Neill is now the only medal-winning survivor from the 2010 squad.

Head coach Billy Walsh pointed out that they were also reduced to a nine-strong squad before the 2010 European Championships after Con Sheehan, who is in the panel for Ankara, suffered a hand injury.

However, the Tipperary heavyweight’s withdrawal didn’t stop Ireland finishing in second spot in the medals table behind Russia at the 43-nation tournament at Moscow’s Ice palace.

“It’s very disappointing for Paddy . . .” said Walsh, who will be working Ireland corner along with Zuar Antia and Jimmy Haplin. “The lads all have the capability to win medals at this tournament.”

The Irish squad arrived in Ankara on Saturday evening. The draw for the championships will be held on Thursday and boxing will start on Friday.