A young Galloway boxer got his professional career off to a flying start as he chases world glory.
Tyler Jolly trained like a demon ahead of his debut pro bout in Dublin’s National Stadium on Saturday night.
Dozens of supporters made the trip from the Machars to cheer on their local hero in the Irish capital.
But even they were stunned as the Whithorn man launched a furious assault to stop Czech Vojtech Majer after just 22 seconds of round one.
Tyler, 23, said his entrance to the arena and his first pro win was “the best moment of my life”.
He told the News after the fight: “It was like a movie – it was brilliant.
“Probably the occasion did get to me and I came out of the blocks a wee bit fast.
“One hundred per cent this is the best shape I’ve been in.
“Mentally and physically this is the best I have ever felt.
“It was my first fight and there will be harder ones ahead.
“The folk that came over to support me were going absolutely mental.
“The walk out before all the supporters was the best moment of my life.”
Tyler’s coach Ricky Burns, the first Scotsman to become world champion at three different weights, had a simple plan to win.
“Ricky told me if you land a big shot and he wobbles put it on him,” Tyler said.
“But if he takes it okay just get back to your boxing.
“When I caught him with my first good shot he wobbled – so I thought okay, you’re getting it.”
The short and explosive start to his professional career has left Tyler impatient to line up his next opponent.
He said on Monday: “That fight took nothing out of me. I’ll be phoning my manager Jason Quigley tomorrow.
“I’m ready to go when anybody wants to go. I plan on fighting five or six times a year.
“I fought the bout at light middleweight but the rest of my career I’m going to go down to welterweight.”
As an amateur Tyler won district, Scottish, British and Commonwealth medals before opting to switch to the pro ranks.
He had been due to step through the ropes against Dayle Arrowsmith but the Englishman cancelled.
Tyler joked: “Maybe he knew what was coming.”
A large contingent from Tyler’s home club Bravehearts ABC went over to Ireland from Whithorn to roar him on.
