Paddy Donovan Unfazed by World Title Risk Ahead of Tyrone McKenna Croke Park Showdown
Paddy Donovan breaks boxing’s cardinal high-risk, low-reward rule in Croke Park this weekend – but is more than happy to do so.
IBF No. 1 world welterweight contender has no concerns about his mandatory challenger position in jeopardy when he faces Tyrone McKenna on the historic Katie Taylor card.
The Limerick welterweight is currently next in line for the IBF strap currently held by Liam Paro. Indeed, if he was to bide his time and wait for the Australian to take a voluntary defence, he would be gauranteed a tilt.
However, ‘The Real Deal’ doesn’t want to wait around, nor does he want to miss out on the chance to write his own page of history on the massive ‘Once Upon a Time’ bill.
“Some may say it’s a risky fight for me as once again being ranked No. 1 by the IBF, but I’m a hungry fighter and I want to stay active,” Donovan said.
“I’ve dedicated my life to boxing and when you do that, the only thing you want to do is fight.
“Right now, Paro hasn’t decided what’s next for him. While I wait on Paro’s decision, I want to keep active and fighting Tyrone McKenna in front of 80,000 fans sounds splendid.”
Donovan has fought his way back to the top of the IBF rankings following a turbulent period that included two defeats to Lewis Crocker.
After seeing an eliminator with Paro fall through and watching the Down Under favourite win the world title he moved back into world title with victory over Ukraine’s Karen Chukhadzhian in a world title eliminator in Germany.
Donovan scored two knockdowns on his way to a convincing victory and believes he has earned his position as the IBF’s No. 1 contender the hard way.
“It feels great to be No. 1 again in the IBF,” he adds.
“My two fights with Lewis Crocker were crackers and very controversial, and two hard fights in his backyard.
“I then worked very hard in the gym and took on a very tough Karen Chukhadzhian, from Ukraine, who is one of the best welterweights in the world.
“I fought him in his backyard as well, in Germany, scored two knockdowns and I won the fight quite comfortably in our title eliminator. I earned the No. 1 ranking the hard way.
“This isn’t over! We’re going to continue this story and I will become champion of the world.
“After the incredible journey I’ve had over the last couple of years, it’ll be a beautiful way to top it off by becoming world champion.”
Donovan’s co-manager Keith Sullivan admits there was an element of risk in allowing Donovan to compete with his mandatory position at stake, but says the Limerick fighter was determined to be part of a historic night for Irish boxing.
“Anytime you have a fighter in the number one spot and they are on the brink of reaching the promised land of becoming a world champion, it’s a tremendous risk to take any other fight,” Sullivan said.
“Paddy insisted he wanted an All-Irish crack-up in Croke Park before 80,000. He wouldn’t accept any advice to the contrary.
“For him, risking the title shot was worth it because this was all about Irish boxing legacy and giving the Irish fans a great entertaining night of boxing in their homeland.
“As always, his professionalism and commitment to the sport and fans impress me.”
