Belfast boxer Padraig McCrory insists he won't rush into any rash decisions on his future as he opened up on his loss to Craig Richards. 'The Hammer' suffered an eighth-round stoppage defeat on the undercard of Lewis Crocker's controversial win over Paddy Donovan at the SSE Arena.

It was the 36-year-old's second loss as a professional, and leaves him staring at a crossroads in his career. McCrory, who only made his pro debut at 28 years of age, admits he will take time before deciding on what's next.

He said on social media: "I am finally getting around to addressing the weekend. I obviously jumped into a fight at the weight above, light-heavyweight, against a really seasoned guy and things didn't go my way.

READ NEXT: How the official Crocker vs Donovan scorecards looked before controversial end

READ NEXT: Mass brawl breaks out at SSE Arena after controversial end to fight

"Obviously, I lived the dream walking out to a sold-out SSE. But also on the same night it was also a bit of a nightmare.

"Things just didn't go my way. I am not going to make any excuses and we will leave it at that. It's just the way it is.

"Congratulations to Craig Richards who I thought was a really nice guy. And his team are all good people.

"I need time to reflect on what's next for me, which I will do. I won't rush into any mad decisions.

"But, so far in my career I had my first pro fight just before my 29th birthday. I am 36 now and have had a great journey, much better than expected.

"And I am happy to say that I am an over-achiever and I over-achieved. it is what it is.

"I am back home safe to my family which is number one. And let's see what's next.

"Thanks for all the support. I had massive backing as always.

"It is a night that I will remember forever, for some wrong reasons, but mainly for some great reasons."

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox