What the experts have to say as Paddy Barnes aims to rule the world
JAMIEMOORE
(Former European champion) I think Pad dy has a great chance. I think Rosales is a good solid champion but even though Paddy is not that long out of the amateurs he has done so well to stride straight into the professional game. He has a wealth of experience and sometimes that doesn’t transfer to the professionals but with Paddy it has. This is one of those situations that having this opportunity so early on in his career will stand to him. Rosales is experienced as a pro and he probably feels Paddy’s inexperience will be in his favour. I think style-wise Rosales suits him. It’s Paddy’s fight to lose. GLENN McCRORY (Former world champion) THIS is a great opportunity for Paddy and I’m not worried about the fact thatheisonlyhavinghis sixth professional fight because all that amateur experienceatthehighest level will stand to him.
One thing you can’t underestimateistheimpactof the crowd, the way they can drive you on. IknowwhenIwonthe world title I was the underdog, nobody expected me to win but the fans drove me beyond what I thoughtIcoulddo.
Paddy is going to have great support, he’s a very good boxer and I believe he can do it even though Rosales is the favourite to win. DAVE McAULEY (Former world champion) THIS is a massive ask for Paddy in just his sixth fight. The champion Rosales is a decentpuncherthoughhe was outboxed by Andrew Selby. My big concern is that Paddy has not fought a top world level fighter or even European fighter since turning professional. He’satthestartofhis career and probably should havehadafewmorefights before taking on such a big challenge against a good champion.
It’s going to be very, very tough and if Paddy does beat Rosales then it would be a very big upset and one of the best wins ever by an Irish fighter. PAT MAGEE (Manager/promoter) Ifeelthatthisisafight too early for Paddy. I would like to have seen him do a 12-rounder against quality opposition.
I understand he doesn’t have a lot of time to go throughaseriesoffights beforeabigonelikethis but it just seems a bit too soon. IsawRosaleswhenhelost to Andrew Selby and he hurt Selby before being outboxed. Selby is a cut above Paddy and Rosales won the title in Japan so I just think unfortunately that Rosales will be too strong at the weight, he’s the bigger man and his relentless attacks and strength will be the deciding factors.