‘Every door was shut on me’ — Darragh Brady determined to make the most of his professional opportunity
Darragh Brady was delighted to step through the debutant door in the National Stadium last Saturday.
The Dubliner fought made his paid bow on the Judgement Day card defeating Dale Aorrowsmith over four rounds.
The fact the away fighter was more fired up than normal made it a more difficult start than many expected, but in a way that seemed fitting, as easy passage and boxing don’t go hand in hand when it comes to Brday.
The new professional revealed that he had repeatedly tried to make the move into professional boxing, only to find opportunities closed off to him.
As a result, the significance of the night went far beyond simply adding a win to his record.
“Every time I tried to turn over, everyone shut the door on me,” Brady said when speaking to Irish-boxing.com.
“Jay opened the door for me and welcomed me in every single time. So, I owe everything to Jay, really,” he adds referencing Jay Byrne.
It’s not that the fighter, who had former Irish champion Anthony Fitzgerald in his corner, expects things to hand to him. Quite the opposite, he freely admits that he is still learning his trade.
Brady does not pretend to have the polished professional pedigree of an established prospect. In fact, he openly embraces the fact that he is starting from scratch.
“I’m starting off raw. I’m a novice in this game,” he said.
“But I think the pros will suit me. I like to come forward. I like to fight. I’m willing to learn, and I can’t wait to get going.”
That willingness to learn was tested immediately on debut.
The new to the scene pro was originally scheduled to face Octavian Gratii, only for his opponent to withdraw just hours before the contest.
Arrowsmith stepped in and 170 fight plus veteran made sure the debutant had an early learning fight, ditching his usual safety first approach for a more adventurous remit.
Brady admitted he felt the difference.
“I felt the pace, I felt the change in opponent, like the level,” he said.
But crucially, he never felt overwhelmed.
“I felt comfortable in there. I never felt I was in trouble. The win was most important. Got the win, enjoyed it, learned a lot.”
And now he wants to keep moving.
With further shows already planned for November, February and April, Brady has made his intentions clear.
“Every one of them. Jay, put me in. I’ll sell the tickets.”
