Barnes, who became the fourth Irish boxer to qualify for London after his victory over Romanian Stefan Caslarov in Turkey yesterday, said he was mindful of Sutherland’s birthday going into his contest.

The light-flyweight will be one of the favourites to win Gold in the Olympics this summer, having won bronze in Beijing (2008), and gold in the Commonwealth Games and European Championships (2010) since then.

The Holy Family, 24, star said: “I was always confident that I would reach the Olympic Games. There was never any doubt in my mind that I would get there; it was just a matter of getting the job done.

“It was special too that it happened on the day of what would have been Darren Sutherland’s 30th birthday, and I am proud to dedicate this victory and achievement to him.
“Darren and I were close friends and I miss him still. He is always with the Irish team.”

Barnes defeated Carlarov in convincing fashion, winning the contest 17-9 after leading 5-3 at the end of the first round. At the end of the second round, he led 12-6.

He added: “I was really, really nervous because I knew what was up for stakes. I was throwing a few silly shots, I knew I was battering the guy but I’m glad to get that out of the way. The minute he came out, he slipped me a body shot. I’ll tell you what, I couldn’t even breath after it. But I sucked it up and I think I hurt him with my own shots too, and he backed off a bit.

“I knew hurt him with my body shots and I should’ve pressed on and hurt him but I didn’t. I’m just happy with the win. Once I knew I was up on points I was playing it safe.

Barnes’ father, Paddy senior, said: “It’s a proud moment. Paddy knew all along he would reach the Olympics; there is no-one more supremely confident in his ability and ambition.

“He has done his club, all of Ireland, his family, and most importantly, himself, proud.”

On Tuesday, Barnes stopped Hungarian Istvan Ungvari in the second round to leave himself needing one more victory to take him to the Olympic Games in London.

Story By MG SPORTS MANAGEMENT