Olympic hero Paddy Barnes is optimistic over his chances of achieving his goals at light-flyweight as he prepares for Saturday’s huge stage of Féile an Phobail.

‘The Leprachaun’, who won two Olympic medals during a famous amateur career, was denied a flyweight world title in just his sixth professional and is now looking to kickstart another charge to the top at 108lbs.

As he prepares to face Joel Sanchez in front of an adoring home crowd on the #MTKFightNight in Belfast’s Falls Park, Barnes said: “The plan is to get to light-flyweight. I’ll be flyweight for this one and then I’ll fight again later this year.

“When a title shot arises at light-flyweight, I’ll make the weight. Until then, I’ll get as close as possible in the interim fights.

“I’ve been working hard training-wise and I’ve made some changes with my nutrition. I have a nutritionist I work with every day. I should have had one since the start of my career – it’s making a big difference.

“I can’t wait to just get another win on Saturday. I’m going to clear my head, have my hand raised and be back to winning ways. Then it’s on towards titles at light-flyweight.

“It’s great to be able to fight in front of the Belfast crowd. This event is absolutely massive and it’s going to be a truly great night for Irish sport.

“Someone asked me what time I’m on and what time they should arrive and I just told them to go as early as possible because the whole bill is superb. You’ve got prospects emerging and then some true 50-50s.”