Brain Box – Eric Donovan increasing knowledge under new coach Paschal Collins
Eric Donovan [12(7)-1(1)] is noted as one of Ireland’s best boxing brains.
The fight literate featherweight’s in ring intelligence, aligned with his ability to forensically break down and articulate all things sweet science, in his role as a pundit, earned him the boxing brain box rep.
However, if the Kildare fighter has a noble arts Masters Degree, he now suggests he is en-route to securing his PhD.
Having worked most recently with Amateur fight legend Kenneth Egan, Donovan felt it was time to get exposed to some pro coaching experience.
The 35-year-old decided to team up with Paschal Collins at the Celtic Warriors Gym and claims he has benefited.
Not quite back to school, but the Irish champion is stimulated by the link-up and learning.
“It’s really good educational work,” Donovan told Irish-boxing.com.
“My brain is stimulated during our sessions and learning loads. Knowledge is key and the more you have the better equipped you are to deal with certain situations when faced with them. I find my professional knowledge is developing under Packie’s guidance.”
A bit of work from my last session today. Thanks Packie, great few weeks of camp, loved it! 👊🏻⚡ https://t.co/XS2ct5UK5U
— Eric Lilywhite Lightning Donovan (@ericdonovanbox) December 2, 2020
Collins and Donovan will go into battle together for the first time tomorrow [Saturday] afternoon
The Mark Dunlop-managed Athy native takes on Rafael Castillo [14(6)-58(20)-3] at the Fight Off Training Center, Wavre, Belgium on Saturday afternoon.
It’s Donovan’s first fight since his impressive performance but ultimate defeat against Zelfa Barrett.
Castillo is a tough operator and a solid journey man. Indeed he is the last man to bring big punching James Tennyson the distance.
Donovan claims he has no interest in who populates the opposite corner the weekend, his focus is solely on what he can do.
“I’m not expecting anything from my opponent, I’m more focused on my own preparations, delivering a very good performance and trying some of the things I have been working on with Packie and Ken.”
