Paddy Barnes claimed before his fight with Silvio Olteanu that he had to “steal the headlines” in order to win. Steal the headlines is exactly what he did.
The two-time Olympic medalist was at his tactful best as he mercilessly chipped away at his opponent and this tactful style reaped dividends for the Northern Irishman.
Belfast’s Barnes who was headlining at Waterfront Hall on Saturday night emerged victorious after a majority decision by the judges in what was only his third pro contest.
The thirty-year-old claimed the vacant WBO European flyweight belt after his bout.
#boxing The new WBO European flyweight champion, @paddyb_ireland pic.twitter.com/M6pFd6wlWx
— Belfast News Letter (@News_Letter) June 17, 2017
The victory earns Barnes important ranking points as he seeks a shot at a world crown.
Congrats @paddyb_ireland gritted it out against a former world title challenger, will stand you in great stead for whatever's next! Get in😆
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) June 17, 2017
