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Donnelly weighing up pro offers but tempted to try and make plane to Rio

COMMONWEALTH Bronze medal winner Steven Donnelly has received a number of offers to turn pro, but is weighing up his options before deciding to take the paid path or stick on the amateur road.

Donnelly has enjoyed an impressive journey from talented prospect to top Irish amateur and potential Olympian this year and the 25 year old’s performances in this years Senior Championships and the Commonwealth Games have caught the eye.

Indeed, Promoters have taken note and the Ballymena 25 year old has received offers, but will take his time before deciding what route to take.

One of those ‘suited to the pro’ amateurs Donnelly has pro ambitions, but the lure of Rio and the European championships also appeal to the inform welterweight.

Speaking to Irish-boxing.com Donnelly explained,

“The immediate plan is just to relax for a couple more weeks as it’s been a long hard season. I will weigh up the options after the break. I have had a couple of people onto me about going pro, but I am not rushing into anything just yet.

“My style would suit the pro game, but then again the Europeans and Olympics really appeal to me also. I’m Improving all the time down in the High Performance and that training is really helping my game.”

It is not a simple choice between the possible prestige and glory that the Olympics can bring and the lure of the pro lights for Donnelly. The National champion at a very competitive weight doesn’t receive National Sports Council funding and  with promoters offering paid work that could prove pivotal in any decision he makes.

“I am not on funding down with the high performance yet and to be honest that could play a part in my decision. I think I have earned the right to be on some sort of money, but as I said I will take this break to look into what the next move is. Rio would be a great trip and I will be targeting the plan to Rio if stay amateur.”

Although he discussed what is next, Donnelly also took time to reflect on the Commonwealth success and his year in boxing.

“Things have been non stop since I back from the games. People looking for pictures and stopping to talk to me everywhere I go. We had a big welcome home party last weekend which was brilliant too,” he added before reflecting on the up turn in form.

“I was always confident going into fights as I know what talent I have. It’s just about doing it on the big stage and I am a lot more experienced now, especially after winning the Seniors this year.”

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