Darren Sutherland wants to deliver the world title belt Ireland is waiting for - but the recent Olympic bronze medalist knows he can't keep his promise overnight.

The nation's newest professional boxer made a winning debut in the pro ranks with a first round stoppage of Bulgaria's George Iliev in Dublin last Thursday night.

Sutherland's promoter Frank Maloney is already talking of fast tracking the Dubliner up the ranks after his impressive debut, but Sutherland is adamant he will learn to walk before he runs as a pro.

"I said I want to be fighting for a world title before the next Olympics in London in 2012 and that is still my aim," said Sutherland.

"There are four years between my bronze medal in Beijing and the next Olympics and I really believe I can be challenging for a world title belt within that time.

"My dream has always been to become a world champion, ever since I was a kid, and now that I've turned pro the dream is more alive than ever.

"But I realize it is going to take time. I have to learn the ropes at this level and even though Thursday night was a great start to my professional career I still made some silly errors.

"I took shots that will cost me against a better class of opponent so I am not so stupid as to think I will realize that dream overnight."

Sutherland, a keen student of boxing and sports psychology, was overwhelmed by the reaction to his pro debut at DCU and he can only imagine what the attention will be like as he works his way up the boxing ladder.

"I believe Ireland is crying out for an athlete superstar, someone who can take on the world and win," added the Olympian.