A Belfast boxer says he is "living the dream" after overcoming a mental health battle that had stalled his career.
Ruadhan Farrell fights for the BUI Celtic featherweight title on Saturday night as part of Michael Conlan's huge comeback show at the SSE Arena.
The 22-year-old - who hails from the New Lodge - only made his pro debut back in March but has gone on to win three bouts en route to landing this week's prime slot.
Read more: Jamie Conlan: 'Watching my brother knocked unconscious made me question boxing'
Farrell is fighting fit inside the ring after winning one of his biggest battles outside the ropes.
His burgeoning boxing career was floored before it even had time to ignite, with Farrell "hitting rock bottom" after suffering from depression four years ago.
"To even get here, I am extremely proud. And my family are proud of me, too," Farrell told Belfast Live.
"My mum is buzzing to see me get this far, but this is only the start. To come through mental health issues and depression, and to be here now doing things like a live workout at City Hall and doing a press conference, it is amazing.
"Coming through all that made me a stronger person, 100 per cent. I was at the lowest and didn't want to live. I was doing things I shouldn't have been doing.
"But now I am on top of the world and boxing has helped drag me through it. This week has been a dream for me. It would be a dream for any boxer."
Farrell turned pro back in 2018, but it would be another four years before he finally made his debut in the paid ranks.
"It took a long time to make my pro debut and it took its toll, but we finally got it last year with Mark Dunlop (manager and promoter) and I have had three fights now," he said.
"A win on Saturday night would be massive for me. If I win this I want to go for the Irish title next.
"I want to keep going, going, and going and I wanted big fights."
Farrell has been working with Ryan Burnett in the build-up to the fight. He describes Burnett as a "hero" and says he will be proud to follow in the former unified world champion's footsteps on Saturday night.
"I have watched my local hero Ryan Burnett win two world titles at the SSE, so to even get a chance to fight at that venue is special to me," he added.
"I am also getting the chance to fight on a Michael Conlan undercard with other great fighters such as Tyrone McKenna and everyone else. It is a great card.
"Ryan Burnett is a huge inspiration to me. I train with him once a week and he was best mates with my brother. They grew up together.
"I have always looked up to him. His two world title fights at the SSE were unbelievable."
Farrell takes on fellow unbeaten prospect Murphy for the Celtic title on Saturday. It is a high risk, high reward fight for both men.
"All the odds are against me but it will be amazing to prove a lot of people wrong on Saturday night. I am going in there with the underdog's mentality," Farrell said.
"He is favourite because he beat me twice in the amateurs, so all the pressure is on him and not me. I just have to go in and do a job and get the win.
"He will feel the pressure because people expect him to win."
He added: "It will be electric on Saturday night, and I believe we are the first televised fight on the night. So I think there will be more than 5,000 people there when we enter the ring.
"I don't feel any pressure. I am sure there will be nerves, but I can't wait to make that ring walk.
"I am going to walk in slowly and just soak it all in. I will milk the f*** out of it because I probably won't get a chance like this for a while.
"Me and Colm respect each other. There is no bad blood or anything like that.
"We will keep it that way, have a fight and then enjoy a pint. We are both managed by Mark Dunlop so I am sure it will be tough night for him, but at the end of the day he will walk away with a champion."
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- Michael Conlan opens up on brutal weight cut and two-stone gain since Leigh Wood defeat
- Tyrone McKenna ready to unlock 'missing link' on Michael Conlan undercard
- Belfast boxer happy to 'ride the wave' towards title glory
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