If we’re judging by a 2023 campaign that included three fights, three wins, and three knockouts, unbeaten welterweight prospect Paddy Donovan has had a pretty nice year.
Did I mention he did it all in time to get Christmas at home with his wife and three kids?
“Yeah, it’s what I like to call a breakthrough year,” said Donovan. “I got some big fights on some major platforms, so yeah, I’m very, very happy the way the year went. And, as you said, I got Christmas off, so I couldn’t complain.”
There’s been little to complain about thus far for the 24-year-old from Limerick, who parlayed an impressive amateur career into a contract with Top Rank, who led him up the first steps of the pro ladder before an amicable split earlier this year. Landing on his feet, Donovan has fought at home on the two Katie Taylor-Chantelle Cameron undercards in Dublin, and as the year ends and a new one begins, there is a distinct possibility that he will top 2023.
Donovan is slated to return on January 27 in Belfast, as part of a card topped by a welterweight clash between Lewis Crocker and Jose Felix.
“Well, we’re in talks with Eddie Hearn, the promoter of Matchroom, about a show in Limerick City, where I’m from,” he said. “So hopefully that’d be the next one, around March maybe.”
Getting a spot on another Katie Taylor undercard, preferably in a stadium in Ireland, is another dream opportunity for 2024, and co-managers Andy Lee and Keith Sullivan are on the case, which means all Donovan has to worry about is doing his work in the gym and the ring, and that’s just fine with him.
But it’s a fight in Limerick that’s really motivating, especially since it’s not really been a traditional hotbed for the sport.
“The last big show we had in Limerick was 15 years ago, so it’s been a long time,” said Donovan. “But in recent months there’s been shows in Cork City, Belfast City, Dublin City, Galway City, and the one city left to get their night out is Limerick. So hopefully it can be the biggest night of all with a Matchroom card.”
Donovan would have to be the headliner, and with a perfect 12-0 record that includes nine knockouts, he’s well on his way to making a case for such a gig as a true hometown hero who has never forgotten his roots. In fact, the member of a fighting family that includes his brother, Edward, still trains at home with his father Martin until he gets a few weeks out from a fight. Then it’s off to Dublin to work with former world champion Lee, a thinking man’s fighter who makes his charges see the big picture, not just the fight ahead.
“He measures it to an extent,” said Donovan when asked how much of the training with his compatriot is focused on the mental part of the game. “Like the previous fight with Danny Ball, he didn’t wreck my head about it. He kept it very, very short and sweet. The things he said were quite detailed and they stayed with me even when I went back home. He doesn’t put a lot of pressure on you; he just says the right things at the right time, and obviously he keeps working every single fight for me. He’s an amazing guy. Really, really intelligent, and he chooses his words very precisely.”
But did he make Donovan read his book, “Fighter”?
“Halfway through it,” he laughs.
It’s a good read, but can you blame him for not finishing it, considering he has a full-time boxing career and is living life as a family man. But he’s handling it all like the champ he hopes to be one day.
“Look, I have a lot to do,” said Donovan. “There’s nothing done. I got my hands on my first belt, which ranks me the top 15 in the world, so I’m delighted with that and it’s great to be in that position. But I have a lot of work to do and I’ve got a young family to support. So I’m just keeping my head down, I keep listening to my coaches and see what’s next on the horizon.”
Yeah, Donovan can fight. But being able to fight doesn’t make someone a star. Luckily for him, he’s got the looks, the following and the backstory to get to that rarified air. Plus, he’s Irish, and the Irish are well known for supporting their own on the international scene.
“The support is very good in Ireland, as long as the fighter is,” said Donovan. “I don’t think they can be fooled easily. So they follow and they support you if they know you’re good enough. And if the fighter is good, the support will always be there, I believe.”
Next year should tell the tale for Mr. Donovan. He’s done everything asked of him thus far, but in 2024, the ante will be upped and all eyes will be on him sooner rather than later. It’s the blessing and curse of being an Irish fighter. But he seems to be built for this.
“I think it’s something in the DNA,” said Donovan. “There is enough going on in this world, so I’m very, very thankful for the opportunity that I have and the position that I’m in. And I’m trying to do things right because I know how fast you can slip off the ladder. So yeah, I’m just trying to keep it together and keep reaching for the stars.”