North Belfast’s Olympic boxing hero Paddy Barnes will put his reputation on the line when he steps in to the ring for a second time with a gutsy local amateur this weekend. Newington man Conor Burns will take on the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist in a charity bout in aid of suicide awareness group PIPS.
The flyweight contest at The Shamrock Club in Ardoyne is being dubbed the Battle of North Belfast and is a repeat of last year’s clash when Burns managed to put Barnes on the canvas twice. “I can’t wait for Saturday, I’m really up for it,” said Burns. “I have been training every day, lifting heavy weights and pushing it on a bit further so I’m ready.
” The Fight for Life night, organised by Belfast Suicide Awareness United, will feature a full line up of bouts and pro boxer Darren Corbett will be referee for the Barnes/Burns clash. “Paddy Barnes has just came back from the London Olympics with another bronze medal, and was in a confident mood when challenged about the up and coming battle,” said Tony Hanna from BSA Utd.
“Paddy said the fight won’t go past the first round this time, he said he took the last fight lightly and didn’t train properly, but he’s really up for this one. “BSA Utd and PIPS would like to call on the North Belfast community to come out and support this amazing night of boxing in aid of suicide awareness.” Fight for Life takes place at Shamrock Club on Saturday (October 13, 7.30pm). Tickets are £6 at the door and a disco will follow the boxing.
