Boxing experts provide predictions for Jay Harris vs Paddy Barnes
MTK Global return to the Ulster Hall in Belfast on October 11 for a huge #MTKFightNight featuring a high-stakes flyweight showdown between European and Commonwealth flyweight champion Jay Harris (16-0, 8 KOs) and three-time Irish Olympian Paddy Barnes (6-2, 1 KO).
The 112-pounders clash for the vacant IBF Inter-Continental flyweight title live on ESPN+ in association with Top Rank and also live on iFL TV.
Unbeaten Harris, 28 from Swansea, picked up the biggest win of his career back in June, where he defeated world title challenger Angel Moreno to win the European flyweight title, and he wants to build on that momentum against world title contender Barnes, 32 from Belfast.
BBN asked their panel of experts who they believe will win this tasty title fight:
Charlie Edwards
WBC World flyweight champion
"I believe Paddy is coming to the end now and Jay is only getting better and better.
I believe Jay may even stop Paddy mid-late rounds."
Kieran Gething
Welsh Area super-lightweight champion
"I have to go with my man Jay here. Not just because he’s a really lovely guy and a fantastic boxer with a great work ethic, but because I genuinely think he’s the better professional.
What Paddy had, I feel has deserted him, and I see a very one-sided win for Jay."
Jack Hughes
Southern Area super-flyweight title contender
"Both being around my weight, I always keep an eye on these guys and Jay Harris has really, really impressed me and has great power, but Paddy Barnes has failed to level up to expectation.
So I’m going with Harris by TKO in the sixth round."
Mick Kane
Boxing Writer
"This could go either way. Harris has been on a good run and will be confident, Barnes has home advantage but will this add more pressure onto Barnes?
It could also be a last chance for Barnes to keep competing at world level, he already hinted in the past about retirement after his defeat in America.
I see the fight going the distance, a split decision for Barnes wouldn't surprise me."
Ryan Walsh
British featherweight champion
"Really rate Jay Harris and I’m tipping him to be to fresh, big and strong, so I’m going for a KO 7-10."
Steve Wood
Promoter at VIP Promotions
"Paddy Barnes was a top amateur that seems to have been rushed as a professional and he has not been ready for the big tests given.
Although not as big as jump as previous, I feel it is still too big a jump for him and he will lose on points, as long as he's been doing his sit ups; if not, the chocolate ribs may let him down again and maybe a stoppage loss."
Tim Rickson
Sports Agent
"It's almost impossible to pick a winner here.
Harris is on form and will come into the fight with the confidence of an unbeaten champion. It's obvious to point out that Barnes has the home support, but that can also work in the favour of the travelling fighter who can feed off the crowd's hostility.
Right now, I'm leaning towards Harris via a points win."
Ryan Clark
Co-Founder of buymyfight.com
"A great match up. It’s a tough one to call as both have a lot to offer but purely based on the fact Barnes has contemplated retiring I think the home pressure will get to him, and Harris’ run of form will be an extra boost. These two factors for me will give the edge Jay Harris needs to get the win.
A unanimous points victory is my call."
Bolu Kareem
Middleweight debutant
"Paddy Barnes, 100%, his skills set is higher than a lot of people realise."