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“In time the world will realize that I just might be the full package,” -Donovan keen to start journey to the top of the world

It’s step one to showing the world he is as his ring moniker suggests, the ‘Real Deal’ for Paddy Donovan on Friday night.

The Limerick stylist makes his debut on the #MTKFightNight at the Ulster Hall and is ready to begin showing the fight fans what the hype is about.

Donovan, who won everything at national level as a teenager as well as a World Junior silver medal, is confident he will have successful career and predicts one day the world will know he is the ‘full package’.

“In time the world will realize that I just might be the full package,” Donovan told Irish-boxing.com ahead of his debut.

It’s confident even somewhat bold from the talented Top Rank prospect. However, the OLOL graduate doesn’t come across as arrogant or cocky, particularly outside the ring.

The southpaw fighter seems fully aware he has a unique skill set that makes him standout, but is also conscious that it’s something that has to be harnessed, nurtured and developed.

The 21-year-old has faith the raw materials but knows hard work and learning are needed to ensure he fulfills his potential.

“(Andy and I) have been working on a lot of things, things that’s going to improve my boxing. We have worked on correcting errors that I have been making and making adjustments to help me become a better fighter.

“I’m just being me I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I’m training hard and I’m adapting the best way I can to what my coaches show me,” he adds before further endorsing former world champ Lee.

“Me and Andy are building a great relationship, we love working with each other. There’s a great atmosphere in training. I have to say he’s a top guy and everything he is doing is helping me become a a better person ln and out side the ring.”

Considering he is signed to Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Donovan will most likely have the majority of his fights Stateside – certainly the big bouts will play out there.

With that in mind having a debut in Ireland is that bit extra special for him. Fighting for a first time as a pro and all the trimmings that comes with that is excitement enough, but being able to enjoy your first in front of home support for a fighter that may one day belong to world fight fans makes it all the better.

“I am delighted to start it in Ulster hall in Belfast city it’s a special Venue. I’m really excited to start my professional career there. I have been thinking about the crowd in the Ulster Hall, walking out to the ring for the first time as a professional and things like that. It would give you goosebumps. I’m looking forward to it so much.

“It’s great to be fighting at home too,all the Irish fans behind me there’s no better feeling and for the people that don’t know me it gives them the chance to see me and to follow my boxing career. Most of my fights will be across seas so any time I get the chance to fight in Ireland I’ll grab it with both hands.”

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 sports for a living for over 20 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

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