PADDY BARNES’ ARMY of supporters is growing with every bout he wins and every interview he gives.
The Belfast boxer is gathering a lot of followers on Twitter too and he has found a novel way of attracting more.
As reported in TheScore.ie’s day eight liveblog, Barnes’ first thought was to let his supporters know what he thought of his Saturday afternoon bout.
Seconds after he defeated Thomas Essomba of Cameroon to reach the quarter-finals of the Light Flyweight competition, he sent this message via Twitter:
Barnes could be seen typing out messages on his phone as boxing coach Billy Walsh congratulated him on his success and gave him pointers on the fight.
The boxer was not finished with his social networking yet and he soon sent out another message.
Barnes then spoke to RTE after the bout and drank from a water bottle with his Twitter handle written along the side.
He spoke to TheScore.ie after his Last 16 win and said:
I was itching to get in. I finally had my chance today and I won, which is even better. I boxed a tough fighter and I won.
Barnes has the opportunity to become the first Irish boxer to claim medals at successive Olympic games.
Gas man
great win, looked very comfortable and has a great chance of a medal
More power to the man. Well done.
Wel done our paddy top boxer bring gold home for ireland
Ridiculous tweeting from the ring. Yes the job was done but does he want to be remembered as an Olympic champion or as having the most twitter followers? Who ever gave him his phone should think twice the next time. The country wants the boxers to come home champions
Yeah how dare he humor himself in any fashion! Just because he’s a young fella! He should be takin life seriously! Especially when the country wants a medal. For shame.
Let him enjoy himself when he gets back to the village. The point I am making is that the Olympics is every 4 years and why put a potential medal at risk with all the tweeting and funny interviews. If he loses his next fight will the new followers on twitter make up for that.
Paddy has been sitting around waiting for this clash. He does this to take the pressure off and give his head a rest.nSwitching off is very important too, going into a ring too wound up is bad too…nnYoung man enjoying himself, let him do that… Credit to the country. If there was any risk Billy would cut it out.
I hear the pro ranks calling him
Yeh wait till he wins a medal 1st- doubt his trainer is too happy with his showboatin should be keepin his mind on the next fight not twitter! That said, i hope he improves on his bronze best of luck Paddy!
Paddy is a good defensive fighter but his lack of solid power would hurt him if he went pro. I like to watch him though :)
Any comparison to Floyd must be taken with a pinch of your best Belfast salt!
Looking forward to next tweet… Cowboy beaten by Indian
They should make medals like this:
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-platinum-silver-olympic-rings-pendant-chain-image9617713