Police allege Irish pro boxer punched passer-by during Paddington car break-in

Irish lightweight slugger Tony Patrick Bates remains behind bars after police allege he punched a man who confronted him during a Paddington car break-in.

Irish boxer Tony Patrick Bates has been charged after allegedly punching a witness during an attempted car break-in.

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An Irish professional boxer has been charged after allegedly punching a witness during an attempted car break-in.

Police allege Tony Patrick Bates was arrested after hitting a bystander in the face when he was caught trying to break into a Hyundai i30 on Josephson St, Paddington, about 3.15am today.

Detectives accuse the 31-year-old 12-0 lightweight slugger of possessing phones, bank cards, jewellery and a small amount of drugs when arrested on Little Dowling St shortly after the incident.

Police allege Bates was also illegally in the country at the time of being apprehended and authorities from the Department of Immigration have been alerted.

Tony Patrick Bates, 31, fronted court today on charges relating to the assault of a bystander in Paddington in the early hours of today.

Prosecutors allege the Dubliner was wanted for a break, enter and stealing incident at North Sydney in January and had three warrants for his arrest outstanding.

In a 2013 interview with Irish media, Bates said came Down Under in 2008 after losing his job as an electrician, seeking to progress his boxing career.

The nine knockout professional fighter is facing 11 charges in total and pleaded guilty to dishonestly gaining a financial advantage, failing to appear and dishonestly obtaining mail in a brief mention at the Central Local Court.

Bates, who wore a Run DMC T-shirt during today's appearance, is due to reappear at the Downing Centre and Central Local Courts on several dates in June and July as his other matters progress.

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