Eric Donovan handed massive breakthrough fight live on Sky

Eric Donovan [12(7)-0] has been handed the breakthrough chance he has been screaming for for some time now.

‘Lilywhite Lightning’ finally has the opportunity to strike into the consciousness of boxing fans outside Ireland and the chance to secure a win that could see him take a massive step toward his European title winning goal.

The five time National Elite Champion and reigning Irish featherweight champion has been confirmed as one of the fighters that will appear on the Fight Camp schedule.

Fighting on a high profile Matchroom card broadcast live on Sky Sports and DAZN gives the Kenneth Egan-trained fighter the kind of platform he has craved.

The fact he takes on Zelfa Barrett  also means the Kildare fighter has the chance to prove himself against an established fighter and register the kind of scalp he has promised he is capable of.

Donovan appears on the third instalment of the Fight Camp series that will play out behind closed doors, outdoors at Matchroom’s Headquarters on Friday August 14.

The Kildare southpaw had said he would retire if he didn’t get a big fight this year – and when lockdown struck he called out every Irish fighter between feather and super feather.

The likes of Carl Frampton, Michael Conlan and Jono Carroll were on that list, but he will be more than content with Barrett.

The Manchester native is the reigning Commonwealth champion at super featherweight.

‘Brown Flash’ beat Anthony Cacace’s next foe Lyon Woodstock to claim the rainbow strap once held by James Tennyson.

The 26-year-old defended it with a stoppage win over tough Scot Jordan McCorry and the August 14 clash will be his first as a Matchroom fighter.

No doubt Donovan, who is stepping up in weight, is the B side and Matchroom picked him to be beat by there new signing. However, the St Michael’s Athy BC graduate is confident in his own ability and will be aware there is an element of last chance saloon for him in terms of reaching the heights he has targeted.

Interestingly enough, Barrett’s sole defeat comes against Ronnie Clarke. The Scot was managed by Donovan’s new boss Mark Dunlop at the time of that win and it’s quite possible the MHD boss fancied the fight as a result.