Reigning EU Super Featherweight champion Eric Donovan has announced his retirement from boxing at the age of 35.
The five-time Irish elite champion's final bout was a gruelling 12-round contest against France's Khalil El Hadri in September to take the title, something he described as his "crowning moment".
It made his record 16 wins from 18 outings since joining the paid ranks in 2016, with his only defeats coming against Zelpa Barrett and double Olympic gold medallist Robeisy Ramirez.
Last month Donovan said he hadn’t decided on his future and whether the European title would bring the curtain down on a six-year pro career, leaving his options open in relation to the vacancy for high performance director at the IABA.
Now the Athy native has called time on his career.
"After a lot of consideration and discussion with my family and team, I have decided to hang up the gloves. Some of the best experiences and memories of my life have come from boxing," he said in a statement this evening.
"Now after 30 years in the game, I am finally content with my achievements in the ring.
"My professional career was one of redemption, with the EU European title being my crowning moment and a night I'll never forget. So many people helped me along the way, coaches, cut-men, sparring partners, professional support personnel, sponsors and all my supporters."
Happy and content to announce my retirement from boxing. Thanks for all the incredible support, it was some journey. ❤️⚡️ pic.twitter.com/pGMaO0R4Qx
— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) November 4, 2022
Speaking ahead of his title victory at the Europa Hotel by unanimous verdict, Donovan alluded to darker days in his earlier life, missed opportunities in the ring and how a European would now bring about a sense of fulfilment.
"I'm so happy in my life right now," he said at the time. "My wife Laura is expecting our first child together and I've two sons as well. Laura said to me the other day 'we're living the best days of our lives'.
"We really are. The fact that I'm boxing for a European title on Saturday night is incredible, it's extraordinary. I like to live an extraordinary life, challenge myself and take risks."
Bernard Dunne's resignation from the IABA head position rocked Irish boxing in May amid calls for reforms from the Government and Sport Ireland – many of which have yet to be abided by – and Donovan’s trainer Paschal Collins nominated Donovan for the post.
While admitting the role is appealing, the Kildare boxer is reluctant to make a move just yet but wants to stay in the sport in the future as he discussed the importance of the high performance lead.
He said: "My coach put out a post nominating me for the job. It got a lot of traction and interest. It's a very big job and an important job. Whoever gets it will be very lucky to get it.
"I hope the right person lands that position because boxing needs it and boxing deserves it. It's an opportunity to work with the best boxers and coaches in Ireland. We are an incredible boxing country.
"Am I interested? I'm going to make a decision on my career in the next few weeks. I don't want to confirm or deny my interest in the position."
