Padraig McCrory insists he's happy to roll the dice in the high-pressure stakes of professional boxing.
The unbeaten McCrory has eased to 12-0 in the pro ranks, claiming the BUI Celtic and WBC Silver super-middleweight titles along the way.
It has been a steady ascent from the 'The Hammer' since making his professional debut back in June 2017, and he will look to take another step on the ladder of success when he faces Celso Neves at the Ulster Hall on November 5.
At 33, McCrory accepts his time is limited in the fight game, but he is willing to 'ride the wave' for as long as his career lasts.
"The stakes are getting higher with every fight I take," McCrory told Belfast Live.
"Pre-Covid I was on shows and wasn't even sure if I was getting a TV slot. Now I am co-main event, and last time out I opened the broadcast at the Feile.
"I am becoming a bit of a name in Irish boxing, and someone fans want to see.
"That brings pressure, but I relish that. I have a young family and I just want to do well for them. And the more wins I get then the more it benefits me and my family.
"I am comfortable with the pressure and high stakes. I always want to fight late on in a card so more people can watch me. I enjoy the crowd and the buzz. I love the singing and all that, and I just soak it all up.
"I am 33 and I don't have another 10 years in the game. I have to enjoy the moment, and these things are priceless to me.
"I am riding the wave."
McCrory returns to the Ulster Hall for his next assignment.
It will be the fourth time he has fought at the iconic boxing venue, which always provides a cauldron atmosphere for big fight nights in the city.
"The atmosphere will be electric in the Ulster Hall," 'The Hammer' aded.
"I have fought there before and loved it. It is a venue soaked in boxing history, and each time I step into the ring there it gets better and better.
"The ring is right in the middle.It is a cauldron.
"I expect a big crowd there and a lot of noise."
