Major scalp and world ranking on the line as Eric Donovan steps up on Fight Camp
The scalp of Commonwealth champion Zelfa Barrett [23(14)-1(0)] and wider recognition of his notable talents are not all that are at stake when Eric Donovan [12(7)-0] fights live on Sky Sports in August.
If the popular Kildare fighter registers a 13th career win on the high profile Fight Camp card he will secure a world ranking.
While speaking to RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Sport yesterday afternoon, the Irish featherweight champion revealed he would be fighting for a ranking title – and thus is now one win a way from a world top 15 ranking with one of the governing bodies.
“It’s a world ranking title that we’re going to box for,” he told Darren Frehill.
“I’m just waiting for that to be announced, but that was part of the negotiations of agreeing to this fight, and to this contract.
“I’m a featherweight champion. This fight was offered to me at super-featherweight, which is not too far away from the weight that I campaign at.
“But it is a step-up, but I said I will step-up as long as it’s worthwhile for me. My manager said that they’ve promised a world ranking title fight.”
While ranking titles are not overly celebrated by hardcore fans they are important, particularly for the likes of Donovan.
Despite being vocal about his willingness to fight all comers at feather and super feather – and despite the fact he is one of the more high profile Irish fighters – the European and EU bronze medallist found it very difficult to find a breakthrough fight.
A world ranking would mean the 34-year-old would have something other fighters may want and thus a win on August 14 could open a host of previously closed doors.
“Come through this fight and the sky is the limit,” he adds before discussing the challenge ahead.
“Zelfra Barrett is on the verge of that world-class periphery.
“He’s ranked number 60 in the world, so this is going to be my biggest fight, my toughest fight. He has more knockouts than I have professional fights.
“But I believe that I deserve to be there, and I believe I’m good enough to be there, and to get the win.”
