INTRODUCING – Darragh Brady

Darragh Brady has waited a long time for this moment.

After years of setbacks, injuries and doubts, the Dublin boxer will finally get to realise a dream he has carried since childhood when he makes his professional debut at the National Stadium this weekend on JB Promotions’ Judgement Day card.

For Brady, the occasion is about far more than simply stepping through the ropes for the first time as a professional. It represents the culmination of a journey that, at times, threatened to pull him away from the sport altogether.

“I came through hurdle after hurdle after hurdle,” Brady said, reflecting on the road that has brought him to fight week with Irish-boxing.com.

“At the start, it kind of set me back a bit and I was like, ‘Ah, maybe this is not for me,’” he admitted.

Brady eventually fell out of love with the sport before finding his way back through the semi-professional scene. Throughout that period, promoter Jay Byrne remained in contact, continuing to remind him that there was another route into the professional ranks.

Boths persistence has finally paid off.

“We got where we wanted to be, but look, this is only the start,” Brady said. “I’m nowhere near a polished article. I’m a rough diamond here and I’m ready to go.”

It is a line that perfectly captures where the new to the scene boxer believes he is at this stage of his career. He knows there is plenty still to learn, but he also believes the difficult years have helped shape him into the fighter now preparing to make his professional bow.

“Pressure makes diamonds,” he added.

And Brady is certainly not planning on easing himself into professional boxing.

Asked what fans can expect when the bell rings, his answer was emphatic.

“Polished performance.

“If a stoppage comes, I’ll go for it. I will be coming forward. I don’t intend on taking a backward step.”

That aggressive mentality should make for an intriguing debut as the ticket seller looks to give the sizeable crowd backing him something to remember.

“I’m bringing a big, big crowd here,” he said.

“This is only the start. You will see more of me on the other side.”