Box Smart – Steven Donnelly set for New York fight following Belfast breeze

Steven Donnelly [3(0)-0] scored his third win in six weeks on Friday night but the Ballymena light middleweight already had fight number four on the mind.

‘The Donn’ easily outpointed journeyman Arvydas Trizno over four rounds early on on the Belfast BoxNation bill at the Titanic Exhibition Centre and did so in a way which ensured he will be okay for an appearance at one of boxing’s legendary venues.

The 30-year-old will box again in less than three weeks time at the famous Madison Square Garden Theater in New York City on the Danny Jacobs v Sergey Derevyanchenko undercard on Saturday October 27th.

Not wanting to put this in jepordy, Donnelly admitted that “I just really wanted to get out of that fight with no cuts and no bad injuries with American in a few weeks time.”

“I was never in any trouble, I was using my jab and keeping my distance. He was never really getting in close. He had a tight guard and he was strong but there were no problems at all.”

While the double Commonwealth bronze medallist may not have been going full tilt, Donnelly was able to work on things in the ring.

The Ray Ginley-trained puncher explained how “I just wanted to keep it controlled and box the full four rounds and that’s what I done and I won every round easily.”

“He was very tough, we knew going in that he was very durable.”

“I was changing it up, southpaw and orthodox, it was working well. ”

“It’s all a learning curve and I’m enjoying it. I’m stepping it up every time, there’s far more levels to me as well.”

Donnelly is now just weeks away from boxing at the famous Felt Forum as his extremely busy start to pro life continues.

Having been Ireland’s best performer at the Rio Olympics two years ago, the Ulsterman had looked set to move into the pros but suffered disappointment after disappointment on this front.

Finally turning pros during the Summer following his second Commonwealth medal, Donnelly notes how “it couldn’t have went any better, really.”

“If you had told me this a couple of years ago I would have never have believed you.”

“It’s brilliant to be in this position that I’m in. It’s great, I’m just going to keep working hard and the opportunities will keep coming.”