In case you've missed the big boxing news over the last few days: Paddy Barnes is turning pro, having signed a two-year deal with Matthew Macklin's MGM Marbella. It's a management contract, with Frank Warren to take on Barnes' promotional work. MGM have a number of Irish fighters in their ranks, including Jamie Conlan, Michael's elder brother.
MGM has found itself caught up in controversy in the last few months, and their Marbella gym was searched by police in last week in connection of an international operation against the Kinahan crime cartel. Daniel Kinahan, son of Christy, is involved in the running of MGM's Marbella gym. Macklin has no involvement in crime.
Barnes appeared on the Ray D'Arcy show on RTE Radio 1 this afternoon, and was asked for his opinion on a headline that appeared on independent.ie. The headline read "Paddy Barnes Signs For Controversial Gym Searched As Part Of Kinahan Raids", and Barnes was critical of it:
You have to expect that because it is Ireland. They are very fond of having slow news days. They need to put something there and sell papers.
I don't care. I won't be training in Marbella, they are only my management team and they are one of the best management teams in the world.
Look at Liam Smith, Martin Murray, and Billy Joe Saunders. World title challengers and World champions. If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.
Barnes also confirmed to D'Arcy his ultimate ambition is to be a three-weight World champion within five years: at flyweight, superflyweight, and bantamweight.
Barnes is expected to make his pro debut in Belfast on November 5th, at the Titanic Centre in Belfast.
See Also: Paddy Barnes Tears AIBA And Pat Hickey Asunder As He Confirms Move To Pro Boxing
