Sutherland eager to impress at 'second home'

Olympic bronze medallist Darren Sutherland admits that climbing into the ring at Dublin City University for his professional debut tonight will be "a very special moment" in his career.

A national hero after his exploits in Beijing, middleweight Sutherland will take the leap into the pro ranks against Bulgaria's Georgi Iliev at a venue very familiar to him.

"To start out in the university where I've studied for the last four years is great. It's been like a second home, I've been living on campus," said the 26-year-old Dubliner, who has taken time out from his sports science degree at DCU.

"It will be a very special moment for me. I just hope the general public, the Irish fans, turn out in numbers to support me and cheer me on."

A three-time Irish amateur champion and holder of the European title, Sutherland has been busily preparing for this fight at his new base in London, working with his new trainer Brian Lawrence and promoter Frank Maloney.

Commenting on his move across the Irish Sea, he said: "The training's been pretty intense. It's been a big change, there's been a lot of new things to get used to.

"Moving to London, travelling to and from the gym by underground. London's a big place.

"I'm very happy with the team behind me. Brian coaching me and Frank as my promoter - both guys have great boxing CVs.

"It's a confidence factor to know I have two experienced people behind me and that I'm in good hands.

"(The move) has been a good learning experience. I think I've adjusted to it pretty quickly. There's still many things to learn and work on but so far, so good.

"I feel in great shape now. I'm just looking forward to the fight and getting in and putting on a good show."

Iliev has lost four of his five pro fights to date, with his only win coming last July at the University of Limerick when he stopped Castlebar's Keith Cresham in the first round.

The Bulgarian is bullish about his chances of causing an upset. He said: "I plan to do the same to Sutherland... when I drop him, he's going to stay on the canvas, just like Cresham. Mark my words."

But Sutherland, who is ready to go the full six rounds if required, is confident he has the punches in his armoury to hurt his rival.

Exuding his usual quiet confidence, he said: "I don't think I'll really get any nerves until the moments just before you go out into the ring.

"You got the bit of butterflies then and that just means you're ready, you're primed and you're fully focused.

"At this stage, there's been a lot of hype about the fight. I'm just looking forward to getting in the ring and doing the boxing.

"All this kind of of media attention is great and everything but you just want to fight and do what you do. That's what I've trained for."

Sutherland tipped the scales yesterday at 77.4 kilograms, with Iliev, who was late arriving for the weigh-in, over a kilo lighter.

"This is my first pro fight so it's going to be a change, because the weigh-in was 24 hours before...whereas as an amateur I was used to weighing in early in the morning, boxing in the evening and having to weigh in again the next day," Sutherland explained.

"It's great that I don't have to watch my weight once I weigh in. So I'll have a good breakfast (the morning of the fight) and a good lunch and then just chill out, listen to my music and relax.

"I like to keep myself away from too much attention because you want to get the mind focused. Conserve my energy and then just get in and do what you have to do. You can celebrate after the fight."

Sutherland has scheduled a break away in Tenerife for himself and his family over the Christmas period, ahead of what should be a busy 2009 for him - Maloney revealed that his charge could be pencilled in for six fights next year.

"We have to get the Iliev fight out of the way first and then Darren can enjoy the holidays with his family before he knuckles down again," said the well-known promoter.

"It's been a whirlwind few weeks for him and I dare say he can't wait to see his family and get some rest.

"As regards sparring partners I have a good overseas network so it will not be a problem bringing sparring over, but I like the idea of Darren using gyms in Britain.

"I have been offered some facilities in Manchester by one of my associates where he says there will be good sparring and that is a possibility."