Ireland’s Paddy Barnes lost in the last 16 of the light flyweight division at the 2016 Olympic games to Spain’s Samuel Carmona Heredia via split decision.
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The hectic three-rounder saw the two time bronze medallist lose on two of the three judges’ scorecards (29-28, 28-29, 28-29) – a decision that many observers disagreed with after a largely successful third round.
Even former WBO middleweight world champion Andy Lee thought the decision was a wrap.
Way to dig deep! Well done @paddyb_ireland
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) August 8, 2016
Thought he'd done enough. Fair play to the Spaniard but making the weight hurt Paddy. Too long without a competitive fight. Sickened.
— Andy Lee (@AndyLeeBoxing) August 8, 2016
Barnes’ struggle with his energy was apparent, with the 29-year-old characteristically admitting that he wasn’t at the races.
Paddy Barnes looked very tired from early on. Had a chest infection in run-up to Olympics. Missed a lot of training.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/MolloyJoe/status/762668949012119552
'I had no energy' – A deflated Paddy Barnes reflects on his disappointing Olympic loss to @EvanneNiC #rterio2016 https://t.co/noX3UMXNan
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) August 8, 2016
The likes of world champion Carl Frampton, John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland and former Olympic silver medallist Ken Egan also chimed in.
Attention on Ireland’s boxing squad now turns to the likes of Katie Taylor and Michael Conlan, who represent Ireland’s best chances at winning medals in Rio.
Some people just haven't a clue about high performance sport. Hard luck to @paddyb_ireland – always a double Olympic medalist. #respect
— Brett Igoe (@brettruganalyst) August 8, 2016
Absolutely gutted for my mate @paddyb_ireland. I know how much he wanted that and how much he's put in to these Olympics. Still a hero
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) August 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/KCsixtyseven/status/762668409289048065
This face sums up the reaction from the whole of Ireland after @paddyb_ireland SHOCKING defeat #RioOlympics2016 pic.twitter.com/yoA0ydUnWD
— Ciamhie Mc Digital (@CiamhieMc) August 8, 2016
Paddy Barnes faded slightly in the final minute but easily did enough throughout that fight to get the result. Bizarre decision.
— Rob Wright (@wright_rob) August 8, 2016
what a WAR from @paddyb_ireland obviously not the result he wanted but needs to hls head up high making it this far! how many go to 3 games?
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) August 8, 2016
Not to worry @paddyb_ireland still a legend of legends. You are the number 1 in Irish Olympic boxing history
— Kenneth Egan OLY (@kenegan30) August 8, 2016
The Rory McIlroy furore also reared it’s head once again in the aftermath of the defeat.
Joke's on you, haters. Paddy didn't care about a medal, he just wanted to establish himself as a social influencer. pic.twitter.com/j3615HhV8L
— ⭐ amy o'connor ⭐ (@amyohconnor) August 8, 2016
https://twitter.com/sweetirishf/status/762668650222452736
https://twitter.com/PaulDollery/status/762672182354907137
Read More About: boxing news, irish sport, olympics news, paddy barnes
