Paddy Barnes is entering his second year as a professional boxer having made his debut back in November 2016. The Belfast flyweight has a flawless record thus far of 5-0 and it now looks like Barnes has his eyes set on a monumental 2018 as he angles for a title shot.
Barnes called out WBO flyweight titleholder Sho Kimura on Twitter this week. Kimura landed a huge shock last year when he beat defending champion and 2- time Olympics champion Zou Shiming to claim the belt.
.@sho_kimura1105 I’m sure you are due to have a voluntary defence, I’m number 10 with WBO, wanna fight? 👀👍
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 4, 2018
Barnes then received a call-out of his own, When British up-and-comer Sunny Edwards claimed an unnamed fighter was dodging him and asked: "if you can’t beat me how can you be ready for a world title?" Barnes recognized the not-so-subtle barb and shot back:
Are you saying you didn’t? I’m here ready to fight in your home city. Easiest fight in the world to make - let’s get it on 🤷🏼♂️
— Sunny Edwards (@SunnyEdwards) January 5, 2018
Both fighters are managed by the same company, MTK Global, and Barnes tagged them in his response.
@MTKGlobal what’s this child talking about? I’m looking to push on for a world title not fight someone who’s achieved ABSOLUTELY NOTHING amateur or professional https://t.co/ypxLTQSEM2
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 5, 2018
Uncle frank(who’s certainly not my uncle) pays u for a 10 rounder what i get for 1 round u offer me nothing sunny, go polish you WBO European, over and out
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 5, 2018
Another user wadded in to support Edwards and included a fairly clueless Jame Conlan take in his response: "He and his fans can't honestly think he's ready for a world title? These are the fights we want to see! not fight for a world title like his mate Jamie and get filled in so easily."
Edwards, to his credit, defended Conlan and was fairly transparent in the fact he was merely angling for a bout with Barnes.
You and your brother can’t get fights because no1 likes yas, 2 mouth pieces
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 5, 2018
Wanna fight? I’ve just called out the world champion and now have a wee dick like you call me a shithouse for not wanting to take a massive step back 😂 stop tweeting me now I’ve gave you enough coverage
— Paddy Barnes OLY (@paddyb_ireland) January 5, 2018
Just like to clarify I have made/received no offer. However the copperbox is on speed dial, paddy Barnes the 2 weight WBO unified champion #legendinthemaking
— Frank Warren (@FrankWarrenBT) January 5, 2018
With potential retirements ahead of him, Barnes' current ranking as tenth could be subject to improvement. The 30-year-old's amateur pedigree and savvy promotion could see him secure a World Title shot in 2018.
It's an exciting time for the defending champion and 2- time Olympics bronze medal winner, and indeed for Irish boxing.
SEE ALSO: Vote: Who Is Ireland's Most Universally Liked Current Sportsperson?
