Paddy Barnes signs professional boxing contract

Paddy Barnes' professional career is to be handled by MGM.

The Marbella-based company was set up by former middleweight boxer Matthew Macklin.

Barnes - a two-time Olympic bronze medallist - is hopeful of making his pro debut before the end of the year.

In a statement released by MGM he said: "I've enjoyed every minute of my time as an amateur and my achievements are something I am very proud of. Representing Ireland has always been my ambition and now I hope to emulate that success as a professional”.

The company said details of Barnes’s debut will be announced in the near future.