Monday 27 April 2015 13:18, UK
In his second diary, Jason Quigley describes his memorable professional debut at the MGM Grand - the Las Vegas venue for Floyd Mayweather's clash with Manny Pacquiao.
My professional debut was unbelievable. At the weigh in, all the Mexican fans were there for Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez’s fight with Erislandy Lara. A lot of them stayed on for when I weighed in and there were a good few Irish fans as well. They had an Irish flag up in the crowd and it was a brilliant experience.
Just the ring walk alone was amazing and before you come through the curtain there is a massive MGM sign - that is when it really hit home. There wasn’t a huge amount of people in the crowd, but I thought: ‘One day I want this place packed with Irish fans and I want them roaring and chanting my name.' That is my aim.
It felt very comfortable and very homely, stepping into the ring. It felt like I belonged there. Of course you are going to be a bit nervous, but it was nothing out of the ordinary and I was ready to rock.
Boxing is a sport where you can’t give anyone a second chance. One head clash can change a fight, or even one shot.
I stopped my opponent in the first round and have won my next four fights inside the distance. I couldn’t be happier with my progress as I’m getting in there, doing the business, and taking these guys out. People are asking if I would rather go more rounds, but if I can stop the guy in the first 10 seconds then I’ll do it. Boxing is a sport where you can’t give anyone a second chance. One head clash can change a fight, or even one shot. One shot and the fight is over, so if you get the chance to finish it, you have to. There will be a time when I have to go the distance, but I’m ready for that. I get plenty of rounds of top quality sparring in the gym.
After my last fight, I celebrated at the casino, because that’s where the fight was held. I love to play cards, especially poker, and for a change I won a couple of hundred dollars. Mainly after a fight, I just celebrate with my loved ones. I just want to be with the people who are close to me.
I’m back in action on April 30 in California. I'm not too sure who I’m fighting, but I’ve told my team and my coaches that I’m going to be ready for whenever they tell me. If it’s a week before the fight, a day before the fight, I’ll be fine. Because of my amateur experience, I’m used to it. I’ll just prepare and let my opponent worry about me.
