McCarthy on rise, but Barnes ponders retirement
TOMMY McCarthy woke up on Saturday in Trento, Italy knowing he had placed his career on a new upward trajectory, while back home fellow Belfast man Paddy Barnes was coming to terms with a loss that could ultimately spell the end of his career.
Cruiserweight McCarthy (right) lifted the WBC international title as he outpointed Italian Fabio Turchi, shutting his left eye and leaving him with a bad cut over the other. It was by some distance the performance of his professional career and he can look forward to a top-15 ranking.
The transformation in his career could hardly be more stark as McCarthy had under-achieved to the point when it was announced that he had been awarded a split decision verdict over Turchi, who had entered the ring unbeaten in 17 fights.
One judge, incredibly, scored it for the Italian 116-112, while the other two had McCarthy the winner by 115-113 and 116-112.
“Seven months ago I was embarrassed and ready to pack it in after losing to Richard Riakporhe and now I’ve gone and beaten Turchi in his back yard. I’ve gone from such a low to top 15 in the world ratings,” said McCarthy.
The 28-year-old’s joy was the polar opposite of the gloom at the Ulster Hall as flyweight Barnes found himself bereft of resistance to the relentless assaults of Welshman Jay Harris, who brought the end in the fourth round with a sizzling left hook to the body.
Barnes had been stunned by a right to the temple in a torrid first round. Despite momentarily halting Harris in his tracks in a furious third round, Barnes hit the deck from a body blow but then responded with immense heart.
Harris was simply too strong for the 32-year-old and when the end came it was no surprise and while he hasn’t confirmed his retirement, Barnes stated: “There’s no point going on if you’re losing at European level… I have absolutely no resistance to the body. “He caught me the first time and I thought I’d recovered, but when he got me that second time there was no way I was getting up.
“I’ll just take some time to think things over now.”
As three-time Olympian Barnes contemplates his future, McCarthy believes he can start looking ahead.
The victory over Turchi, which was shown on Sky Sports and across the States on streaming service DAZN, has given him real hope that next year he can secure a shot at world title glory.
“I want another big fight and it could be a world title eliminator but whatever is next I have to stay busy because that’s how I will keep improving,” added McCarthy, who places a great deal of his revival down to new coach Pete Taylor, father of world lightweight champion Katie.
“Everything is falling into place for me now. Linking up with Pete Taylor has been crucial. He understands me and knows how to get the best out of me.
“The odds were stacked against me but he believed in me, we had a game plan and he was shouting at me and keeping me focused and it paid off.”