I’LL GET IT DON
Limerick ace aims to take another step on way to the big title fights
PADDY DONOVAN is aiming to make another massive statement when he makes a quick return to the ring this weekend in Belfast.
The 25-year-old welterweight, with a 12-0 record, believes a world title fight is within touching distance.
He is aiming to follow up an impressive fourth-round stoppage win over England’s Danny Ball on the undercard of Katie Taylor’s November victory against Chantelle Cameron with another knockout tomorrow.
Donovan was in Saudi Arabia for fellow Andy-lee trained fighter Joseph Parker’s win over Deontay Wilder last month when he got the call to fight Argentinian Williams Andres Herrera
(15-2) on a card headlined by Lewis Crocker’s WBO inter-continental welterweight title fight with Jose
Felix.
Limerick man Donovan is delighted to be back in a city he knows very well, with three of his pro bouts taking place in Belfast – including his debut back in 2019.
He said: “Camp has gone exactly the way we wanted it to. It’s a fast turnaround from the last fight, I got the message when I was in Saudi that I was fighting here so Christmas was cut short but I’m excited to be back.
“We just want to keep this train rolling, full steam ahead.
“I’ve prepared very well. When I prepare well, the performance usually takes care of itself. I’m excited to be in Belfast. I made my debut in this arena so it’s great to be back.”
Donovan predicts a tough fight from the 27-year-old Cordoba man (inset) as he looks to take another rise in the world rankings.
“His record is quite good, he’s very, very durable, very, very strong,” he said of Herrera. “All these South American fighters are. They don’t look physically good but when they’re in the ring they can be quite different.”
On the game plan, he added: “It’s just do what we work on in the gym, practicing what Andy has been telling me, executing it on the big stages and if the big shot comes or arises and I can see it, I’ll take it.”
Having turned 25 this month, Donovan wants to waste no time as he looks to secure a world title fight sooner rather than later.
The Real Deal is currently ranked 13 in the world by the WBA and has his eyes on a title shot with their world title ‘regular’ holder Eimantas Stanionis (14-0).
“We don’t want to be beating around the bush, we don’t want to be wasting time,” stated Donovan.
“I’m 25 years old now, coming into peak season in the next two years so for my skill level, for the way I’m performing, the backing I have from Eddie Hearn and Matchroom, training with Andy, everything is leading in the right direction.
“It’s get this fight out of the way, get one in May and hopefully by the summer time we can push for those very big title fights.”