Unlike the overwhelming majority, the Dubliner had the talent and ability to do just that, evidenced by winning 10 national titles and European youth gold.

He seemed destined to fulfil his ambition before the IOC decided to remove the 75kg weight class from the tournament, throwing plans into disarray.

Too big for the 70kg division and not wanting to build himself up to 80kg, he altered his aims to set sights on becoming a professional world champion.

Amateur boxing is a passion in Ireland and fans would have sent Flood off to the Olympics genuinely believing he could become their latest fighter returning home with a medal.

It would have been understandable had the 21-year-old come under pressure to remain in the unpaid ranks. Once his heart was set on turning professional though, there was no turning back.

“Don't get me wrong, all my family members were all very supportive, but I had a few people who were like, “I think you're a bit young,” and stuff like this. I know how good I am at boxing,” Flood (4-0, 2 KO) told The Ring.

“I know my ability and don't want to sound cocky but I've put the work in since I was a baby. I know I'm one of the best in the world and am not going to reach where I want if I'm being pulled back.

“I want to be let free, and get to the top as quick as I can.”

Flood attacked his future head on after solidifying his decision. He now lives and trains in Liverpool at the Four Corners Gym with former world title challenger Stephen "Swifty" Smith.

On March 14, he got his career up and running with a spectacular 68-second knockout and has since notched up there more victories. The most recent outing was a four-round points win against Jack Swallow on the Katie Taylor-Flora Pili undercard at a soldout Croke Park on September 5.

Flood knows it takes time to adapt to the rigours of the professional game, though is also aware his decision to turn over now buys him a true opportunity to do that.

A medal-winning performance at an Olympic Games would have raised his profile and earned him a more lucrative deal. By the same token, it would have taken several more years to achieve, instantly placing him on a fast track.

Flood wants to move quickly but is content to be kept on the leash until those around him decide he is ready to go.

“If I had went to the Olympics, I wouldn't have been fighting journeymen,” he said.

“As soon as you hit the Olympics you're kind of chucked into the deep end. With me being so young, it's not something you want.

“You especially don't want to be too old turning pro, getting chucked into the deep end, then having a bad loss and starting right from the bottom again. I think I made the right choice.”