Steven Donnelly comes out of retirement calling out names

Steven Donnelly [9(4)-0] is back and targeting big names for 2021.

‘The Donn’ officially came out of retirement on Sunday – and did so in only a way he can.

The Rio Olympian put two fighters on red alert as he married his return announcement with a double call out.

Speaking on social media the 32-year-old called out Hamzah Sheeraz and Kieron Conway.

The light middleweight talent didn’t officially announce his retirement this year, but it was understood across the board he had hung them up.

Having impressed his way to victory in the Ultimate Boxxer in late 2019 it looked as if Donnelly was primed to kick on in 2020.

However, frustrated after a clash with Troy Williamson fell through, the Ballymena decided he was done.

He is now plotting a 2021 return and has his sights on two emerging names.

Donnelly has quite cleverly picked two light middleweights to target, one from each of the big networks and promoters.

Sheeraz is a fighter Frank Warren has high hopes for and has received BT Sports exposure in recent months. Indeed, the 21-year-old WBO European ranking title holder has been hailed as the best British prospect by Carl Frampton.

Conway will be familiar to Irish fight fans considering he holds a win over Irish champion Craig O’Brien. The 24-year-old is aligned to Matchroom and fought on the Joshua vs Pulev card last Saturday.

It remains to be seen if Donnelly is still signed to MTK and if they will guide his career moving forward.

Irish-boxing.com understands those behind the Ultimate Boxxer were interested in signing him to a promotional contract – and Paulie Malignaggi was making Donnelly inquires.