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David Barnes is ready to resurect his boxing career after a hand injury nearly forced him out of the sport.
Barnes, 28, is one of eight British fighters aiming to win £32,000 by winning next week’s Prizefighter Light-Welterweights. A former British Champion at both welterweight and light-welterweight, Barnes has not been in the ring since injury forced him to relinquish his light-welterweight title last winter.
“I broke my hand in my title victory over Barry Morrison but two weeks before my next defence (against Colin Lynes) I broke it again,” said Barnes. “I’ve lost my belt out of the ring twice and it’s been so frustrating as I’m undefeated as a British Champion.
“It was a very bad injury and the doctors told me I hadn’t rested it enough when it happened again. That’s why I’ve not been in a rush to get back in the ring otherwise it would’ve gone again.
“At one point I thought about retiring but I’m still young and plenty to give the sport so I’m not thinking about retirement anymore. I have to get my career back on track so I’m very happy to be in Prizefighter and the injury is not a worry at all as I’ve been sparring with top fighters in the gym.”
Manchester-based Barnes has only suffered one defeat in 26 professional contests and hopes a Prizefighter victory could lead to a shot at European Champion Paul McCloskey.
After Barnes suffered his injury, McCloskey stepped in at short notice and defeated Lynes and has since gone on to win the European title.
“I expect Prizefighter to be a stepping stone for me to get back to title level,” said Barnes. “I should’ve fought McCloskey for the British title a couple of years ago so hopefully I can win Prizefighter and get a crack at him.
“Everyone has wrote me off but I’m not going anywhere. I still believe I have the talent but I don’t have anything to prove to anyone. People were saying I had lost it and I had gone but that’s just other people’s opinions.”
Ironically, the quarter-final draw, which was conducted by boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jnr, has paired Barnes with Lynes.
If Barnes is successful he will meet either Young Muttley, another former British Champion, or talented prospect Barrie Jones, while former WBA World Champion Gavin Rees is a potential opponent in the final.
Prizefighter Light-Welterweights takes place at the National Hall, Olympia, London on Friday, December 4. Tickets cost £40 (unreserved) and £80 (reserved) and are available from See Tickets on 0870 903 9033, www.seetickets.com or from Matchroom Sport on 01277 359900. All the action will also be screened live on Sky Sports 1.
