Headline News

Galway’s John O’Donnell to make return to the ring


John O’Donnell [32(11)-2(1)] is to make a return to the ring in 2019 following almost two years out.

The former Southern Area, two-time English, and Commonwealth champion has not fought since St Patrick’s Weekend in 2017. That night saw the London-based Galwegian claim a second English title by beating Erick Ochieng but his progression towards then-British champ and long-time rival Bradley Skeete never materialised.

Final eliminators with Tamuka Mucha would fall through and O’Donnell fell off the radar in 2018.

Now the 33-year-old southpaw is to attempt a comeback, becoming the latest Irish fighter to link up with management outfit Mack The Knife [MTK] Global.

O’Donnell is extremely eager to get back into big fights as soon as possible and outlined how “I want to get in the ring as soon as possible. It’s been nearly two years since my last fight.”

“I’m ready to get as active as I can and get some titles in the next 12 months and make a statement.”

“After signing for a big company like MTK I’ve got the buzz back and the fire in my belly. I’ve been training hard over Christmas and New Year. Welterweights watch out, I’m coming.”

MTK’s Lee Eaton noted how “after nearly two years out he will have one fight back and then will be straight back into those sorts of big fights.”

O’Donnell re-enters a packed Irish scene, with new stablemates Paddy Gallagher and Lewis Crocker making waves in Belfast and beyond.

On the bubbling domestic scene then there is the likes of Jay Byrne, Keane McMahon, Dylan Moran, Rohan Date, Martin Wall, Francy Luzoho, Aaron Gethins, and John Joyce – while further afield there is more young talent such as Danny Keating and Aaron McKenna.

Details of O’Donnell’s comeback fight will be confirmed shortly.

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Joe O'Neill

Reporting on Irish boxing the past five years. Work has appeared on irish-boxing.com, Boxing News, the42.ie, and local and national media. Provide live ringside updates, occasional interviews, and special features on the future of Irish boxing. email: joneill6@tcd.ie

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