Wow.
Paddy Barnes has been fallen at the first hurdle after being beaten on a split decision by Spain’s Samuel Carmona Heredia.
The Belfast fighter was hoping to add a gold medal to the bronze he won in London and Beijing but the dream came to a shuddering halt in the Riocentro.
It was far from vintage performance from Barnes against a tough and lively opponent and he was clearly stunned as judges awarded the fight to Heredia on a split decision.
Barnes was second best throughout the first round, he looked sluggish and his punches weren’t landing and it was no surprise at all that Spaniard was ahead on the scorecards.
It was all even on the scorecards after a helter-skelter second.
The third round was also to-and-fro but Heredia finished the stronger and that was enough to sway the judges.
More to follow…
