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Tyson Fury should be grateful for Paddy Donovan’s ‘sensational talent’

More a pre pre assist than an assist, but Paddy Donovan can lay claim to playing a part in Tyson Fury‘s brilliant win over Deontay Wilder.

The ‘Gypsy King’ had already proved he had what it took to defeat the big punching American during their first encouther – despite the massive heavyweight fight being scored a draw.

As a result the former Irish champion was slightly fancied to try and out box, out skill and out class the big puncher in the return.

However, much to everyone’s surprise he went on the front foot from the off and bullied a the ‘Bronze Bomber’ to finish the fight within the distance.

By all accounts the now WBC heavyweight world champion had always planned to be more aggressive in the repeat, but in a bid to do so successfully, he employed a Kronk influenced backroom team.

After discussing a change in coach with Andy Lee, Fury teamed up with Emanuel Steward’s nephew Sugar Hill and asked the Limerick man to be part of the squad.

Speaking to IFL TV recently, Lee confirmed but for Paddy Donovan he wouldn’t be back in boxing outside of punditry – and thus wouldn’t have been in Las Vegas to help the heavyweight.

So impressed was Lee with his fellow county man’s talent that it tempted him to return to the fight game.

“The only reason I got back into boxing, the only reason I am training Tyson Fury [is Paddy Donovan]. I got back into boxing and it was Paddy that got me back into because he is such a sensational talent,” he said before revealing the sky is the limit for the Top Rank southpaw.

“There are so many variables than can happen in someone’s life, especially when they are young, that can take them away from boxing or not end up going all the way. But if Paddy can keep his feet on the ground and his head on his shoulders, with all the talent he has, keep working hard he has the ingredients to be a world champion.”

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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