Padraig McCrory jokes he would rather be punched in the face than organise his first professional boxing show. But it's a challenge the 36-year-old is starting to embrace.
The former IBO World light-heavyweight champion takes on a different test this weekend. His Hammer Boxing promotional company is running the exciting 'Showdown' card at the Devenish Complex, an event which aims to showcase some of the top emerging boxing talent here.
Included on the bill is Teo Alin, Matty Boreland, James Freeman and Barry McReynolds, with a couple of debutants also ready to signal their arrival on the pro stage.
McCrory has already walked that path, having made his professional bow at the SSE Arena back in 2017 on the undercard of Ryan Burnett's world title win over Lee Haskins.
He was a late entry to the paid ranks, not making his debut until the age of 29.
McCrory believes he has the experience and knowledge to help the future generation make their way in the fight game.
"It is exciting to have my first Hammer Boxing show at the Devenish. It is a venue that brings back some great memories for me," he told Belfast Live.
"I fought there twice and it is a great venue for boxing. It is an intimate setting with a low ceiling and great atmosphere. So I can't wait, and the fighters on the card will enjoy it.
"This is the next generation of Irish boxers, so fans will get a glimpse of what the future holds for boxing here. We initially had 10 fights but one has fallen through, but it is still a stacked card. And hopefully this is the future of Irish boxing.
"Teo Alin and Matty Boreland have both boxed at the SSE Arena, and are making their names in the pro ranks. This will be another important step on their journey."
McCrory has progressed to a record of 19-2 in professional boxing. He has headlined at the SSE Arena and Falls Park, won the IBO World light-heavyweight title and fought in Florida against Edgar Berlanga.
It has been a rapid rise in a short space of time, and given the Belfast man a lifetime of experience to pass onto the next wave of talent coming through.
"It is important for me to give these young fighters a platform. I remember what it was like trying to get a start in the pro game, and begging to be on shows," he says.
"It is tough being a rookie professional and some boxers need all the support they can get. Hopefully I can help them along the way."
With the promotional game comes added pressure. Instead of training and making weight, he is now organising things like flights and accommodation.
Asked what was more stressful, boxing or running a pro card, McCrory joked: "Part of me wishes I was fighting. I am more in control when I am the fighter. Being a promoter and manager is quite stressful.
"But I have to say I have had a lot of support from various people. So that has been a massive help.
"And I have to say I have enjoyed it immensely. It is a challenge, yes, but it has been very rewarding as well. And seeing the Hammer Boxing logo on the canvas makes me proud."
McCrory is currently contemplating his own fighting future after losing to Craig Richards on March 1. When he does eventually decide to hang up the gloves, he will have his Hammer Boxing project to fall back on.
"It is another part of my boxing career, and who knows what the future holds. I am just focused on this show on April 5 and then we will see about future events," he adds.
"I am treating it like my own boxing career right now, it is one fight or show at a time then we reassess.
"I would like to hold future shows, and maybe have a title fight on the card. Maybe have a proper 50-50 fight on it. So I am ambitious.
"I have four fighters in my Hammer Boxing stable including Teo Alin, Jack McGivern, Gerard Hughes and Owen O'Neill. Jack was supposed to be on this card but due to circumstances beyond his control he isn't able to.
"Owen is hoping to get back this summer, and Gerard last fought there on March 1 against Rudy Farrell in their rematch."
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