Barnes is challenging Cristofer Rosales for his WBC title, in what will only be the diminutive Irishman’s sixth paid fight after a long and distinguished amateur career, which included winning Olympic bronze in 2008.
The bout will be supporting Carl Frampton’s fight against Luke Jackson and the card will also feature Tyson Fury’s second fight of his return after his long lay-off.
Cummings, who is also fighting on the same card, is predicting a successful night for his friend.
“I’ve known Paddy for a while. We trained together on the Irish national team; he’s a friend of mine,” Cummings exclusively told World Boxing News.
“He’s a phenomenal fighter; he’s done it all, he’s won Olympic medals and he’s been to three Olympics, he’s fought in the World Series of Boxing and now in his sixth fight he’s fighting for a world title.
“If he does it, it will be an amazing achievement. Even if he doesn’t do it, but I think he will do it, it’ll still be amazing. To be fighting at that level so early in your career is amazing. But yes, I do think he will do it.” he added.
It really would be a remarkable achievement is Barnes were to overcome Rosales, who is vastly more experienced in the professional game.
Rosales won the belt with an impressive TKO of Japanese knockout artist Daigo Higa, but he does have three losses on his 30-fight record, including reverses against British fighters Khalid Yafai and Andrew Selby.
It could be a special night for Barnes in his native Belfast if he can get past the Nicaraguan on what will be a truly historic night for Irish boxing.
Thomas Davison is a staff writer for World Boxing News. Follow Thomas on Twitter @thomasdavison93
