A Belfast boxer has revealed the true cost of the fight game - admitting it sometimes costs him thousands of pounds before he even gets in the ring.
Owen O'Neill's pro career has taken him to places including Luxembourg and Spain, while his latest fight was a more local affair at the Europa Hotel last weekend.
'The Operator' claimed his ninth straight win in the paid ranks and is closing in on a potential title fight - and bigger pay days.
Read more: Belfast boxer Caoimhin Agyarko launches online rant at Tyson Fury
Boxing is a passion for the 27-year-old, who gave up a upholstery trade to chase his dreams.
"I have changed my life," O'Neill told Belfast Live's That's What I Call Football podcast.
"I used to do upholstery as my trade. I quit it to become a full-time athlete, and I do some taxi driving when I I need money.
"But boxing is my life and I really believe I can come out of it successful."
O'Neill opened up on the expenses involved with being a professional boxer, and the large sums of money involved before you even get to lace up the gloves.
"Your coach usually gets 10 per cent, and obviously there are other things to add. My kit there last week was £400, for example," he said.
"Listen you are not walking away with much, but I love it. And once the big fights come, that's when you get rewarded with money.
"And I really do think it won't be long before I get that.
"My fights in Luxembourg and Spain came during the pandemic. People will be shocked by the money involved.
"I was paying out about £5,000, and when you're starting out you have to pay for opponents and stuff. So that Luxembourg trip cost me in the region of five grand.
"Now don't get me wrong, I have brilliant sponsors. And I was working round the clock taxiing to get money up to get me to Luxembourg to fight.
"And there is a chance you can get beat, too. A fella Dominic Donegan also paid about £5,000 to fight there and he lost.
"It is a mad sport but I love it, and I am getting so close to be where I want to be. And if I come out of this with a house I will be happy."
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