Five-time Irish amateur champion Eric Donovan is on a mission to land a world title ahead of his professional debut on a packed bill at the National Stadium on Saturday, 25 June.
For almost a decade, 31-year-old Donovan ranked amongst Europe's top amateur boxers, chalking up five Elite titles from bantamweight through to lightweight, a Four Nations gold, European Union bronze medal and a bronze at the 2010 European championships in Moscow.
Now Donovan has decided to take his vest off and punch-for-pay on a show co-promoted by FS Promotions and Ricky Hatton.
"I realised I hadn’t achieved my full potential in boxing and still had a lot to offer," said the Kildare man.
"The thought of turning professional provided me with a lot of motivation and after a number of discussions I have decided to challenge myself and make the jump into pro boxing.
"I was disappointed not to make it to the Olympics, but a season fighting in the World Series of Boxing for the Astana Arlans gave me a new lease of life in the ring.
"Living and training out in Kazakhstan with some great boxers opened up my eyes and it was great to be part of the group that won the WSB Team competition.
"Professional boxing is a tough game but I'm prepared for the challenge."
"I'm aiming to have an Irish title within five fights. Then my sights are on a European title and a world title fight.
"I look at guys like Anthony Crolla, Ricky Burns and Terry Flanagan and think to myself that they haven’t got anything I don’t have, so I will be looking to achieve world honours like they have."
Donovan, 31, who holds wins in the amateur code over current professionals such as Tom Stalker, James Tennyson, Patrick Hyland, Declan Geraghty and the 2009 ‘AIBA Boxer of the Year’ Dominico Valentino, is spurred on by the achievements of many of his previous opponents.
"There is so much boxing on TV these days and I get to watch a lot of guys that I have fought, and often beaten.
"Their victories have encouraged me to go for it. Professional boxing is a tough game but I'm prepared for the challenge.
"I was the first Irish Elite amateur champion from St Michael’s Boxing Club in Athy and I would love to bring home the first Irish professional title to the club as well.
Donovan makes his debut on a packed bill at the National Stadium fittingly titled ‘The Future’, and will feature alongside some of some of Ireland’s brightest boxing prospects including unbeaten Derry banger Tyrone McCullagh, debutants Chris Blaney and Jay Byrne.
Intriguingly four potential future opponents for Donovan have also been added to the show, including an undefeated trio of Paul Hyland Jnr, Ciaran Bates and Stephen Carroll as well as experienced former Prizefighter contestant Michael Devine.
