Kilkenny boxer to follow his 'dream' and turn professional

Clogh boxer, Brandon McCarthy has announced he is stepping into the professional ranks after a successful stint as an amateur.

The 23 year old North Kilkenny boxer has claimed 16 National Titles and European and World Championships at every level during his time as an amateur and now feels the time is right to continue his 'dream'.

Announcing the news, the local boxer said: "I'm excited to continue learning in this sport. I’d like to thank @gary_nowhere2hyde and @ianbuckley for giving me this opportunity and managing/guiding me throughout my professional career."

"I've been working hard and developing my craft for the past few months in Los Angeles training @matchroomxchurchillgym and coached by some of the best coaches in the world @pedro_nemejr I've a great team around me and I'm excited to get going," he commented.

"Lastly I want to thank everyone who has helped get to me to the position I'm in today from my family who do so much for me since I started training with my dad when I was 6 years old, my mother and sisters being my biggest supporters, my amateur boxing club St.Michael's Athy and Dominic O Rourke who looked after me during an amazing amateur career, to my sponsors who helped out throughout the many years of training and fighting, and to everyone else who has supported me and been following me so far I appreciate everyone of you," he concluded.

McCarthy is expected to begin his professional career in San Francisco next month.