Sunday night might well be the last we'll ever of Paddy Barnes in a boxing ring.
Barnes has admitted that he is considering retirement after his shock defeat to Oscar Mojica in New York City this weekend.
After being made to wait more than six months to get his opportunity to avenge his first professional defeat, Barnes came unstuck against Mojica on the undercard of Michael Conlan's latest victory.
'The Leprechaun' gave a brutally honest assessment of his performance, having engaged in a back-and-forth war with Mojica and falling to a split decision defeat.
Speaking in his post-fight interview, Barnes said: "In the first round, he broke my nose. And to be honest, I don’t know how the judges scored it close because I thought he won every round. I’m too small for bantamweight, but to be honest with you, I’ll probably retire now. Is there any point in boxing on after a fight like that?
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"The fans are great but at the end of the day it’s my health and all. If I’m going to box like that, what’s the point in boxing anymore?
"I strongly think this is it. I always thought if I lost again, I’d retire. The fight wasn’t even close. I thought he won every round."
Barnes, a two-time Olympic bronze medallist for Ireland, was expected to enjoy a seamless transition to the professional ranks but it simply hasn't gone according to plan for the Belfast man who is seemingly willing to call it a day after seven fights as a pro.
