Electrifying debut for Eric ‘Lilywhite Lightning’ Donovan

Athy’s Eric Donovan had a perfect start to life in the pro game tonight on the FS Promotions/Hatton Promotions ‘The Future’ show.

The decorated amateur made his bow against ultra-durable Polish spoiler Damian Lawniczak

Despite being 31 next month, ‘Lilywhite Lightning’ showed plenty of spark, and flashes of his old amateur timing and footwork to score a 40:36 points win.

With ring rust, and perhaps an unfamiliarity with defensive journeymen, the first round was quiet. The second stanza saw Donovan open up more, landing a big flurry, but also shipping one big shot in return. Finally getting into his groove, the third was the Kildare man’s best of the night, controlling the distance and landing at will, before seeing out the fight with a succession of head-rattling 1-2s in the final round.

Donovan’s brand new professional boxing record reads 1(0)-0, while Lawniczak falls to 3(0)-16(2)-1.