Eric Donovan's European super featherweight title fight next week has been postponed after the Kildare southpaw picked up a rib injury in training.
The 35-year-old was due to take on Mario Alfano in Brescia, a fight Donovan said was the reason why he came out of retirement five years ago.
"I am absolutely gutted to announce that my EU European Title fight May 15th will have to be postponed. I picked up a bad injury to my ribs in a recent spar which has put me in an unfit position to fight next week. Thanks to all my team, sponsors & fans. The goal still remains!" he posted on his Twitter account.
Donovan has seen his last few months disrupted by events outside of his control.
I am absolutely gutted to announce that my EU European Title fight May 15th will have to be postponed. I picked up a bad injury to my ribs in a recent spar which has put me in an unfit position to fight next week. Thanks to all my team, sponsors & fans. The goal still remains! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/sxn4SBgduE
— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) May 8, 2021
Firstly a title fight against Haithem Laamouz never happened after his Maltese opponent tested positive for a banned substance and that was followed by a planned fight in Belgium in March being cancelled at short notice.
Laamouz actually beat Alfano in December but his subsequent failed doping test saw him stripped of the title, which meant Donovan and Alfano were both challengers for the vacant belt.
Donovan won the Irish featherweight tie in March 2019 after beating Dubliner Stephen McAfee in the National Stadium. But last year saw him lose out to Zelfa Barrett in an IBF intercontinental title fight as part of Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn's Fight Camp.
