From Mountmellick to victory: Laois boxer Cian Reddy triumphs in first professional bout

Mountmellick’s own Cian Reddy made a stunning entrance into the professional boxing world with a decisive 4-0 victory in his debut match in Bradford on Saturday, July 20. The young boxer, who has dreamed of this moment since he was 10 years old, shared his thoughts and experiences about this significant milestone with the Leinster Express/ Laois Live.

Reflecting on his debut, Reddy expressed immense satisfaction and excitement about finally turning professional.

“It was class, it was a great experience to finally make it. Ever since I was 10 years old, I always wanted to turn professional and to finally be able to go and do it and to get the win, of course, was really important, but I had an unbelievable experience. The lead-up to it was brilliant. Then all the crowd, I had 85-odd people coming over from Ireland. They all made it a great night and it was class to get the win.”

Reddy’s victory was not just a personal achievement but a testament to his preparation and skill. He described the challenges of fighting away from home and the importance of maintaining composure throughout the match.

“You just never know when you're fighting away from home what way it's going to go. I had a very good start, I just started sharp, kept my composure through the four rounds. I'd been sparring six rounds with 30-second breaks for the last six weeks with really high-level opponents, some of the best lads in the world. I knew I was comfortable, when I was in there I felt very comfortable at the end of it. I definitely could have done a couple more, but that's what we're looking at next, moving up to the six rounds. To get the win 4-0 was very good because he was a tricky enough opponent. For my first one, I'm the only one that's fought him in their first fight. Last week he fought a guy who was 14-0 and I did as good a job on him as he did. I definitely landed a lot more cleaner shots on him. He's tricky, but to get the win 4-0 was very good.”

Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Reddy managed to keep his nerves in check, thanks in part to the overwhelming support he received from his fans. He recounted the build-up to the fight and how he transitioned from nerves to readiness.

“In the lead-up, of course I was. It was a big experience, a different experience I suppose. Having that crowd, I've always had support, but the support this time was just at a different level. I had 250 messages on Snapchat the next morning after my first fight. That type of support, they all bring different types of nerves. Just as I was going down the stairs before the fight, the work was done, so it was time to perform. I wasn't nervous at that stage then. I was just ready to go and time to go. I think I boxed well at the start, it was sharp. I didn't really feel nervous when I was in there.”

Reddy’s journey to professional boxing has been a long-held ambition, inspired by the path paved by a fellow Laois fighter, TJ Doheny. He spoke about his motivations and the decision to turn professional.

“I always wanted to become a professional. I suppose not that many have done it. It's just me and TJ from Laois. He led the path to go professional. Sometimes when you're an amateur, you're kind of comfortable. You stay amateur for too long and then you can fall out of love with the sport and I not so much fell out of love with the sport, but I just wasn't enjoying it as much. I got to travel the world as an amateur, it was always a great experience but I just wanted to turn professional and have a go at professional. I don’t want to look back on my life and say I should have, could have, would have done that. At least now I can say I've done it. There's one fight out of the way, but there's plenty more to come.”

Looking ahead, Reddy is focused on future goals, including the potential of having one of his fights in Laois which would be a first for the O'Moore County.

“My first fight was supposed to be in Ireland but they cancelled the show so I just said, look lads, get me out wherever you can. So I got that away day for the first one. We're looking at Ireland for the next one. Then hopefully we'll have Laois's first professional boxing show. So that's on the radar for the next 12 months. I was having a laugh when I was signing my contract with my manager. I said, look, make sure you get me that show in Laois. It probably won't be in Laois for the next one, but definitely over the next 12 months we're going to try and have that. We're just looking at them short-term goals for the minute. Then obviously the long-term goals are to try and win the titles, be in the big fights and bring big time boxing to Laois.”

Cian Reddy’s impressive debut is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting professional career. His determination, preparation, and support system all indicate a bright future ahead.