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Andy Lee excited about the possibility of coaching star of the future Paddy Donovan

Andy Lee claims he has developed a ‘good dynamic’ with exciting prospect Paddy Donovan and is excited about a potential long-term link up between the two.

What next for “the biggest star to come out of Ireland for the future”? is a question that has been asked since the Limerick welterweight since his National Elite Championship defeat to the equally admired Kieran Molloy. 

That result left Molloy favourite to represent Ireland in any 69kg Olympic qualifiers and it was widely suspected the fighter, who secured a win over World #8 Quinton Randall in his first ever Senior amateur fight, would explore pro options. 

Irish-boxing.com where lead to believe a host of top promoters had contacted the teen regarding a promotional agreement and his fellow countyman Lee has been advising him in that regard. 

Irish-boxing.com have also been lead to lead Donovan will turn now definitely ditch the vest and looks set to punch for pay for the first time on Michael Conlan’s Féile fight night as soon as August 3rd. 

paddy donovan

When Donovan does enter the pro ring it appears former WBO middleweight world champion Lee will be the man in his corner. 

Lee took the slick southpaw to London just over a week ago to spar Matchroom prospect Josh Kelly at Adam Booth’s gym and when speaking on Off The Brawl indicated that coaching the starlet is an distinct possibility. 

Lee claims the extra time spent with Donovan cemented their relationship further and claims he is excited about the prospect of coaching such a talent. 

The link up hasn’t been made officially as of yet but the Limerick duo have been working together and a coach boxer relationship looks likely.

Speaking on Newstalk’s Off the Brawl, Lee, who was coached by Emanuel Steward and Booth and coached Eric Donovan for one fight, said,

“It was a very good spar. It was illuminating for me as a coach. Paddy and myself having those few days together we found a very good dynamic between ourselves, obviously we are still forming our relationship if this happens, this relationship as coach and boxer, we found a good level from where we can work.

“I came back from the weekend very excited about Paddy and very enthused about him. All the things I thought about him looking from the outside where confirmed.”

The teenager was hailed as an potential Olympic gold medal winner for Tokyo by the likes of Mick Conlan and his talent has been vaunted by a host in the amateur game.

andy lee

With that level of talent transitioning to the pro ranks shouldn’t be too hard, but Lee reveals there are things that need to be worked on.

“His starting level is quite high. He has a very good punch, he has fast feet, fast hands and very good reflexs. He just needs to add somethings. He needs to add some instincts like when to attack and when not to attack also to be more comfortable on the inside when his back is up against the ropes and to stay low because he still has that amateur thing where he pulls out high. Those are things he will build on, but already what he is doing now is very good.”

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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