Myers not afraid of Paddy Barnes
He might have two Olympic medals but Mullingar’s Hughie Myers is confident that he can upset the bookies when he takes on Paddy Barnes in next Friday night’s light weight Elite final in the National Stadium.
The reigning national champion, Myers qualified for his third successive Elite final by seeing off the challenge of Cairn Lodge BC’s Thomas Waite on Friday night.
In control from the first bell to the last, Myers, who is a member of Royston BC, won all three rounds of his semi-final clash and told the Westmeath Examiner that he has plenty left in the tank for next Friday night’s eagerly anticipated bout with Barnes.
“I’m very happy with how I boxed. I only did what I had to do and could have upped it to another level,” he said.
Barnes withdrew from last year’s Elite championships due to illness and will be eager to reclaim the title from the young man he beat 21-17 in the 2012 decider.
“Friday should be interesting. I am as confident as ever and have nothing to lose. I lost in 2012 (to Barnes) but I can get the victory. I have a lot more experience now and have come on a lot since then.”
Speaking at the weekend, Barnes said that he was confident of retaking the title as he had sparred Myers numerous times and knew his style. However, Myers says that the same applies to him and his much lauded opponent.
“To get one over on Paddy would be very good. He is one of the best, if not the best in the world. He’s very fast and fit but I have come on a lot. He’s there to be beaten.”
Myers isn’t the only Mullingar boxer fighting for a national title at the weeked. David Oliver Joyce boxed his way to yet another Elite decider by seeing off the challenge of George Bates of St Mary’s BC. Joyce will fight Sean McComb from Holy Trinity BC.
Meanwhile, Moate’s Joe Ward will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form in the 81kg division on Friday night when he takes on Matthew Tinker.
He made it throught to the final without throwing a punch after Sean McGlinchey pulled out of their bout.
The Elite finals will be televised live on TG4 on Friday evening from 7.30pm.