Edward Donovan planning to look ‘world class’ as he begins working in the family business tonight

Edward Donovan is ready to start the pro side of the family business with a bang tonight.

The younger brother of the Andy Lee trained prospect Paddy Donovan and son of amateur trainer ‘Gugu’ Donovan punches for pay for the first time on the first of two Queensbury shows this weekend.

The former underage standout reveals it’s a moment he has been training for since childhood and an opportunity he wants to make the most of.

The Limerick fighter won’t be content with a winning start, rather he wants to make a real impression and told Irish-boxing.com he is planning to look world-class from the off.

“I’m gonna’ put on a world-class performance,” said Donovan.

“This fight is a stepping stone to the top and the start of a journey toward being a world champion. It’s a massive platform and I’d like to thank Frank Warren and my team for this opportunity on a major platform to showcase what I can do. I plan to leave a statement,” he adds before expressing his excitement to finally get going.

“I’m really excited can’t wait for the show to show my class. Our family has based our lives around boxing. I’ve been training since I’m a kid for this opportunity. so I’m gonna’ seize it with both hands.”

While the ring is as familiar as the family home for Donovan he does face an element of the unknown tonight.

The European Junior medal winner takes on a fellow debutant and a convert from MMA in Matthew King.

“I don’t know much about him,” he admits. “He is making his debut just like me. I’m focused on myself and I’m ready for anyone.
I’m gonna concentrate on putting on a world-class performance, if I see an opportunity for a knockout I’ll seize it with both hands.”

The fact it’s the a promotion in the family business for the teen isn’t the only family element to Donovan’s debut.

The Treaty county fighter debuts alongside his brother in law Jason Harty and is delighted to have his sparring partner by his side.

“We have always trained together since we were kids. It’s just another part of our journey, and we’re both grateful to start our journey together.”

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 sport for a living for 19 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