BELFAST boxer Paddy Barnes has queried golfer Rory McIlroy's reasons for pulling out of the Olympic games.
Speaking at a publicity launch yesterday for bookmaker Paddy Power, the two time Olympic Bronze medallist suggested McIlroy and other golfers who have withdrawn from the games in Rio may have been motivated by financial concerns, not the spread of the Zika virus.
"The only reason the golfers aren’t going to the Olympics is that there’s no money involved," he said.
"The Zika virus is in a lot more countries than Brazil. Are they going to withdraw from professional tournaments or not go on holidays to other countries where you can contract the disease?"
McIlroy (27) is one of more than 20 golfers to have withdrawn from next month's games, citing fears about the virus.
The Holywood golfer said earlier this week he does not regret his decision.
"I'll probably watch the Olympics, but I'm not sure golf will be one of the events I'll watch," he said.
