On March 14, under the bright lights of the 3Arena, a new chapter in Irish boxing begins. On the undercard of the highly anticipated clash between Jazza Dickens and Anthony Cacace, Dublin’s own Bobbi Flood will make his long-awaited professional debut.
For the Dublin 1 native, it’s more than just a fight night — it’s the culmination of years of sacrifice, heartbreak, belief, and a leap of faith.
From Olympic Dream to Professional Reality
Flood’s amateur résumé had him as one of the top prospects in the world, his sights firmly set on the Olympic Games from the time he was a child. But boxing, like life, doesn’t always follow the script.
“There was no specific moment when I knew it was time to turn pro,” Flood explains. “It was more like having no choice.”
The restructuring of Olympic weight categories proved decisive. With the new divisions set at 70kg and 80kg, Flood found himself caught in between. Competing at 70kg at the Irish Championships left him feeling drained and out of sorts.
“I was never going to be able to hold 70kg. I didn’t feel right at all,” he says.
What initially felt like frustration slowly began to feel like fate. After the tournament, he linked up with manager Anto Fitzpatrick — and from there, momentum built quickly.
Letting Go of a Promise
Ireland’s Olympic boxing tradition runs deep, and walking away from that path was not easy — especially given the personal weight it carried.
Flood had made a promise to his mother before she passed away: that he would make it to the Olympics and win a medal.
“Ever since I was a little kid I always wanted to be an Olympic champion,” he says. “It was very tough to let go of that dream.”
But in the months that followed, Flood began to see what he describes as signs guiding him toward the professional ranks. The second time he met Fitzpatrick fell on his mother’s anniversary. Then, during another meeting, a particular song played in the background — Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child,” and the lyric “Heaven’s got a plan for you” felt especially significant.
It was a moment that brought him peace — a feeling that perhaps this new path was meant to be.
“That’s when I really felt this is happening for a reason. Now it’s time to fully commit to the pros.”
An Exciting New Style for the Pros
Ask Flood to describe his style and the answer comes quickly: “Exciting, heavy-handed, slick — a switch hitter who can do it all.”
Fans familiar with Irish boxing will notice shades of Michael Conlan in his approach — who Flood cites as a major influence.
The biggest adjustment since turning professional hasn’t been dramatic — but it has been crucial.
“In the amateurs it was high pace, on your toes for three rounds. Jab in, jab out. Now it’s about setting my feet, edging in, finding the opening and landing a big shot.”
Working alongside coach Stephen “Swifty” Smith, Flood feels he is improving daily — and the belief is mutual.
“Bobbi is a pleasure to work with. I believe he can go all the way as long as he keeps making the adjustments necessary,” says Smith.
Flood is equally enthusiastic about the partnership.
“I love it here with Swifty. I’m so glad I chose him as a coach.”
Respect Over Rivalry
Irish boxing is thriving, with talent emerging across multiple weight classes. But while some young fighters look ahead and name future rivals, Flood takes a different view.
“Everyone is on their own path,” he says. “I wouldn’t look at anyone as a rival. I have nothing but respect for all the Irish lads.”
It’s a mature outlook from a young fighter stepping into a sport often fueled by bravado. For Flood, the focus is internal — improvement, growth, and seizing opportunities as they come.
A Dublin Dream
Making a professional debut is special. Making it in the 3Arena, close to where you grew up, is something else entirely.
“Making my pro debut in the 3Arena is a dream come true,” Flood says proudly. “My nanny is from Dublin 1. I’m originally from Dublin 1. My family is proud — and knowing they’re proud of me makes me very proud.”
Behind the bright lights are years of unseen sacrifice. Early mornings before school. Late nights in the gym. Missing birthday parties. Skipping nights out with friends. Since the age of 10, boxing has required everything.
“Looking back now, I know it was all worth it.”
Big Ambitions, Grounded Mindset
Flood isn’t thinking small. After his first ten professional fights, he wants to be competing for meaningful honours — ideally a WBO or WBC Youth title, or an International belt to announce himself on the bigger stage.
With management aligned between Anto Fitzpatrick and former world champion Sunny Edwards, and backing from promotional powerhouse Queensberry Promotions, the platform is there.
“Anto got in touch with Queensberry and I’m just so glad I chose the team I have around me,” Flood says. “They really are the most genuine people I’ve met.”
March 14: The First Step
On March 14, the talking stops and the journey officially begins.
For Bobbi Flood, this debut is more than a fight — it’s the beginning of a new dream. The Olympic chapter may have closed, but a different path has opened. And if Flood’s belief — and his coach’s confidence — are anything to go by, it’s one that was always meant for him.
Dublin has its next prospect. Now it’s time for the rest of Ireland — and beyond — to take notice.
IRISH BOXING DIGEST 
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