Paddy Barnes’ Olympics is over after being beaten in his round of 16 bout in the light flyweight division this afternoon.
Barnes, who has two Olympic bronze medals, had received a bye into this round, where he faced Spaniard Samuel Carmona Heredia.
Heredia edged the first round on two of the three judges scorecards before Barnes won the second to tie it on all three cards going into the final round.
Many viewers thought Barnes had done enough to clinch the fight in the final round, but the Spaniard was awarded the win on a split decision.
Afterwards, a devastated Barnes admitted that he had struggled to make the 49-kilo weight limit and that had sapped him of the energy during the fight.
Just interviewed a devastated Paddy Barnes. Says he struggled with weight. Had absolutely no energy. Confirms he won't go again in 4 years.
— ᑕOᑎOᖇ ᗰᑕᑎᗩᗰᗩᖇᗩ (@ConorMcNamaraIE) August 8, 2016
It’s a huge blow to Ireland’s medal hopes, with Barnes seen as one of the members of Team Ireland most likely to claim a medal.
Big upset here as @paddyb_ireland beaten. pic.twitter.com/59hBZBWWQN
— Jacqui Hurley (@jacquihurley) August 8, 2016
Ah, that was ludicrously tight. Commiserations to @paddyb_ireland. It was a hell of a first round fight.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) August 8, 2016
Devastating for Paddy Barnes. He looked wrecked by the end, but I honestly thought he got that third round. #Rio2016
— Una Mullally (@UnaMullally) August 8, 2016
