Nervous Nevin chuffed to get through pro debut

Paddy Nevin [1(0)-0] struggled more with nerves than he did with Pawel Strykowski on Saturday night. 

The softly spoken big man outpointed the Pole at the National Basketball Arena on the Assassin ‘Rise Again’ bill and admitted post-fight that his battle with nerves was tougher than his in the ring battle.

While he didn’t particularly show it in the ring, Nevin revealed that he was a relieved man following a win in a fight which was competitive albeit one in which he always seemed to be in controlled

“I am glad to have that one done,” Nevin told Irish-Boxing.com before describing his debut jitters.

“I was nervous beforehand so I am chuffed to have that experience out of the way. It was a bit of dream to fight as a pro and I am delighted to have done it now.”

“I get nervous before most fights, as I am sure lots of fighters do, but I was really nervous today. Then you come out with the lights, the music and a big crowd and the nerves hit me.”

“In saying that, it was a great experience and I couldn’t be happier now.”

Once he had navigated the ring walk platform and ducked through the ropes Nevin felt more at home and claims the win was routine enough.

The Irish title hopeful noted how he boxed within himself to a degree as he wanted to experience four rounds for the first time.

The man who claims to be the fastest Irish heavy out there was tempted to let the power shots go early but Nevin sensibly thought the four rounds would serve him better.

“I wanted the four rounds,” he explained.

“I really want to get used the feel of doing four. Then with crowd and that I was tempted to go for the first round knockout but I knew I needed rounds. I didn’t move through the gears to get those four.”

Strykowski usually campaigns at cruiser and, although he was plucky, it appeared as if Nevin had upped the tempo or planted his feet a bit more he could have forced the stoppage. 

However, while four rounds was part of the game plan, the Swords fighter pointed out that a stoppage was never a given.

“He was tough, honestly a tough kid. He looked small at first but he got a lot bigger the closer he got!” he laughed

Like most debutants, Nevin was full of keep busy talk after his win. He hopes to be out soon and once again wasn’t shy about pointing out his Irish title goal.

“I will see what the management team want to do next. For me, I want to be busy and get fitter.”

“If I can get a few more wins I would love to fight for the Irish title.”

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)