John Joe Nevin with coach, Brian McKeown

Nevin gearing up for Puerto Rican opponent in St Patrick's Day pro debut

The details for Mullingar Olympic silver medal-winning boxer John Joe Nevin's professional debut fight have been confirmed.

The former Cavan Boxing Club fighter, 24, will meet 28 year old Puerto Rican Alberto Candelaria in a bantamweight battle at Boston's House of Blues on St Patrick's Day, Monday, March 17, between 6-11pm Boston time (11pm to 4am Irish time).

Before Christmas, it was originally revealed that Nevin's pro debut would take place at New York's Madison Square Garden on January 25 (this Friday), but the fight has been rescheduled to take place at the heart of Irish-America on its biggest day of the year.

The March 17 fight programme also includes Boston's own two-time national amateur champion Danny O'Connor, Dubliner lightweight Jamie Kavanagh, and unbeaten heavyweight Alexis Santos.

Nevin is back in Ireland at the moment, spending time with family and getting some sparring in before returning to the States ahead of his maiden bout.

Seats for the St Patrick's day "Night of the Fights" at the House of Blues will set Boston boxing fans back anywhere between $100-$150.

The Oscar de la Hoya-promoted event will be broadcast on FOX Sports in the U.S., with Nevin's four-rounder as part of the undercard.

Nevin's opponent, Candelaria, has a record of three wins (including two knockouts) and one defeat.