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‘They can have their pick’ – Donovan Brothers will fight ANY Irish fighter across three weights

Paddy Donovan [9(6)-0] has all but called out every fighter across three divisions for both himself and his brother Edward Donovan [4(1)-0].

The Top Rank starlet put all domestic fighters between 140 and 154lbs on notice, stating either boxing Donovan brother would be more than willing to trade leather with them.

‘The Real Deal’, who populates the same welterweight class as his brother ‘The Dominator’, has recently set his sights on a World Youth title – but speaking to Irish-boxing.com late last week, he revealed a willingness to find a rival closer to home.

The Andy Lee trained southpaw also suggested a fellow former underage standout, Edward Donovan, who he believes Irish fighters are deliberately not mentioning, has a similar approach and said either would fight any Irish fighter in and around their weight.

“Any welterweight, any light welterweight, any super welterweight that wants to fight in Ireland we will fight them,” Donovan said.

“That’s as big a statement as you’re going to get and it goes for me and him. Both of us are willing to fight anyone across those weights in Ireland.

“If any fighter in Ireland thinks they have a good career, they think they have a good platform and people behind them, if they are posting on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook that they want to fight me and my brother will accept any of their challenges. They can have their pick me or him.”

The wide ranging call out throws up a number of potential intriguing match up. Dylan Moran, who Paddy Donovan has shared words with, is covered in the three weight fight call, as is Kieran Molloy a former ‘Real Deal’ foe. Fellow exciting emerging talent Peirce O’Leary is another at one of the three weights and a fight between the Dub and either Limerick sibling would capture the attention. A double brother battle header with the McKenna’s Aaron and Stevie would also be a big sell. More established fighter’s like Tyrone McKenna and Sean McComb are two more operating within the three weights as are the likes of Caoimhin Agyarko, Paul Ryan, Callum Walsh and even Spike O’Sullivan.

It has to be noted Donovan didn’t drop any names – but he was keen to let it known no challenge would be turned down.

Paddy Donovan was last seen in action defeating Tom Hill on the undercard of Michael Conlan’s latest Belfast fight night.

He revealed he hopes to secure a slot on the Tyson Fury versus Anthony Joshua undercard if it happens. If that doesn’t come off he’d like Dylan Moran on the December Conlan Boxing card.

“Andy [Lee] sent a message to Top Rank to try get me on the Tyson Fury – Joshua undercard. If not on that, I’ve heard there is a show being held by Conlan Boxing in Ireland if Dyland Moran wants to fight on that I’ll fight him on that or any welterweight.”

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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