‘Super’ news for Donovan
TULLYALLEN-BASED boxer Eric Donovan says he’s looking forward to getting back in the ring for what he hopes will be a world-ranking title fight in just a few weeks’ time.
It was confirmed last Friday that the Kildare native, nicknamed the Lillywhite Lightning, is to face Commonwealth champion Zelfra Barrett, who boasts a 23-1 record, including 14 wins from knockouts.
Donovan said after defeating Joseafat Reyes in February that the World or European title fight he craves so much would had to happen quickly on account of his age, and now it would appear that he is going to get his wish in August.
He usually boxes at featherweight, but confirmed in an interview on RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport that he had agreed to box at super-featherweight if a title was on the line.
‘It’s a world ranking title that we’re going to box for,’ he said. ‘I’m just waiting for that to be announced, but that was part of the negotiations of agreeing to this fight, and to this contract.
‘I’m a featherweight champion. This fight was offered to me at super-featherweight, which is not too far away from the weight that I campaign at. It is a step up, but I said I will step up as long as it’s worthwhile for me.
‘My manager said that they’ve promised a world ranking title fight. That has already been confirmed, so we’re just waiting on the details of that.
‘Come through this fight and the sky is the limit.’
Asked about his opponent’s near-perfect record, Donovan responded: ‘Zelfra Barrett is on the verge of that world-class periphery. He’s ranked number 60 in the world, so this is going to be my biggest fight, my toughest fight. He has more knockouts than I have professional fights.
‘But I believe that I deserve to be there, and I believe I’m good enough to be there, and to get the win.’
However, the fight will take place in highly unusual surroundings because of the restrictions imposed due to Covid-19 as promoter Eddie Hearn has organised to stage it in his back garden in Essex, with no crowd and only essential personnel such as medics, judges and coaches present at the ring.
‘The sport of boxing has taken a big hit due to the Covid-19,’ said Donovan.
‘It’s not safe enough yet, under the current health and safety guidelines, to have packed-out venues.
‘So Eddie Hearn has decided to put on a fight camp, and have five or six fights over a four-week period, live from his back garden.
‘There’s no need to have a big venue if you’re not going to allow people to come in and attend, and to support. So it makes great sense.’