Irish welterweight sensation Paddy Donovan, unbeaten and increasingly notorious, is zeroing in on his next challenge, brushing aside whispers of a mega-fight with Lewis Crocker. Instead, Donovan’s immediate future holds a critical showdown with ex-British champion Lewis Ritson.
The fight, a crucial 10-rounder, features as the co-main event on the May 25 Matchroom Boxing card. This event, topped by a significant fight between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall, will unfold live on DAZN at Leeds’ First Direct Arena.
Currently 11th in the WBA global rankings, 25-year-old Donovan aims to defend his WBA Continental Welterweight title for the second time, following a decisive TKO against William Andres Herrera earlier in January.
While a potential clash with Crocker simmers in the background, potentially sparking one of 2024’s biggest fights in Ireland and the UK, Donovan remains focused. He’s not letting future possibilities distract him as he preps for Ritson, emphasizing the need to conquer immediate challenges first.
“I never overlook any opponent,” stated Donovan. “Lewis Ritson is a tough nut at this point in my career. I’m thrilled about my world ranking and am ticking off all training milestones to be prepared for any challenge, starting with Lewis.”
“This fight is a significant hurdle for me, a stepping stone to larger bouts, possibly against Crocker. But right now, it’s all about Ritson. Each fight now feels like a world title bout to me,” he continued.
Ritson, coming off a tough loss to Ohara Davies via a body shot last March, represents a formidable opponent. Donovan, known for his powerful liver shots, aims to continue his knockout streak.
“With Andy Lee’s guidance, I’m confident Paddy will demonstrate his skill and power on May 25th,” commented Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s co-manager. “Paddy’s on a quest for a world title, but he knows he must first deal with a very capable Ritson.”
Eager to assert his dominance, Donovan looks to dispatch Ritson efficiently, setting the stage for future headline-making fights.