NEW YORK (December 4 , 2023) – Fresh off his scintillating knockout of English welterweight champion Danny Ball (13-2-1, 6 KOs), newly crowned World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (12-0, 9 KOs) gained invaluable exposure worldwide by fighting on a DAZN pay-per-view headlined by the rematch between Irish superstar Katie Taylor (22-1) and previously undefeated, unified world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-1), that was streamed live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

The 24-year-old Donovan lit up the sellout crowd with his fan-friendly style of boxing, displaying superior hand and foot speed, as well as dynamite in his hands as he picked up the pace in the third round, followed by an explosive fourth when he closed the show.

Donovan lived up to his nickname and pre-fight hype, cracking Ball with a powerful left that rocked his world. The game Ball somehow stayed upright, at least temporarily, but Donovan trapped him in a corner and unleashed nearly a 50 punch-barrage, mostly unanswered, decking his opponent with a vicious body shot as he moved out of the corner. Ball’s corner wisely threw in the towel before the judge’s count started.

“I looked in my corner (in the fourth round),” Donovan noted, “and Andy (Lee, his head trainer) said to go get him. I did! There was a lot of pressure to deliver in Ireland because there was a lot of talk about me fighting. The crowd anticipated my fight, and I handled it well. The fight went as good as I could have dreamed. I knew I had the talent but my maturity at 24 is where I’ve improved the most this past year. It went as we trained, and I knocked him out in the fourth round. My footwork was good, I set-up my shots and came out of the fight without a scratch. This was my best fight to date.”

In a post-fight press conference, Matchroom Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn proclaimed Donovan the newest Irish boxing superstar, in addition to indicating that he’s interested in promoting a fight in Paddy’s hometown of Limerick with him headlining.

“Superstars are made on the big stage and Ireland have a new superstar in Paddy Donovan,” Hearn stated. “I truly believe that. He’s flashy, he’s skillful, he’s a good-looking fella…. He’s a champion now moving to championship fights, but everybody loved seeing that fight.”

“We like to see new talent emerge in Ireland,” Donovan said. “I’m set to move into the limelight.”

Eddie Hearn talked about a show in Limerick with me headlining. We haven’t had boxing here in the last 10-15 years and this would possibly be the biggest boxing event ever in Limerick. If that fight doesn’t happen next, we’re also looking to fight in New York City, possibly on St. Patrick’s Day at Madison Square Garden.”

Not only is Limerick-native Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), the former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Middleweight World Champion, Donovan’s chief second, he also co-manages Paddy with New York-based attorney Keith Sullivan.

Lee added, “That’s (fight vs. Ball) just a taste of what he can do. There’s a lot more to come from Paddy. We can bring Matchroom to Limerick for a world title fight.”

(L-R) – Paddy Donovan & Keith Sullivan

“As sensational and important as the win was,” Sullivan remarked, “it’s behind us now and we are already looking forward to the next match. Paddy will be in New York City this week for sparring and Andy and I will discuss Paddy’s options with him. A fight in Limerick, as Eddie Mentioned, would be magical, so too would one in New York City with its massive base of Irish fans. We’ll have to wait and see who is available and what makes the most sense for Paddy’s career.”

As much as Donovan appreciates the fame-and-glory journey he’s officially embarked on, Paddy’s never forgotten where he comes from, and he’s all for giving back to the next generation of Irish youth.

“I owe thanks to a lot of people who stood by me and kept me off the streets,” Donovan explained. “What I really enjoy the most are the kids. I know what they feel when I meet them because I was the same way growing up and meeting Andy Lee and other Irish boxers. Kids here look up to their role models and I want to inspire the next generation in Ireland.

“There hadn’t been big boxing cards in the last 7-8 years. Eddie started doing big-time boxing again in Ireland.”

Despite his youth, Donovan is also savvy enough to take advantage of opportunities like the platform provided by fighting on a card headlined by Katie Taylor. Donovan dedicated his last fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

“Being Irish,” Donovan concluded, “I wanted to fight on the highest level, not only for my boxing career, but for Pietra House too. We want to help people with mental health problems, especially those thinking about suicide, and it’s great to get information about Pieta into their heads. If I can get somebody to call that number and change their life, I think my deed is done on this earth.”

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

Katie Taylor avenged her first professional defeat to win a majority decision over Chantelle Cameron to win the Undisputed Junior Welterweight Title in front of a raucous crowd at 3 Arena in Dublin, Ireland

It was an action packed fight with Taylor landing the crisper combinations that had the crowd on their feet throughout the “Fight of They Year” Candidate. Cameron was courageous in defeat as she fought through a bad cut on her forehead that started in the second round.

Taylor, 139.6 lbs of Bray, Ireland won by scores of 98-92, 96-94 and 95-95 and is now 23-1. Cameron, 139.5 lbs of Northampton, ENG is 18-1.

Cully Edges By Mould Via Split Decision

Gary Cully came back from his first professional defeat by winning a 10-round split decision over Reece Mould in a lightweight bout.

Cully, 134.5 lbs of Naas, IRE won by scores of 97-93, 96-93 and Cully won a scorecard by a 97-93 total.

Cully landed 77 of 305 punches. Mould landed 92 of 261.

Cully is now 17-1. Mould, 134.1 lbs of Dorncaster, ENG is 18-2.

Donovan Stops Ball in Four

Paddy Donovan remained undefeated by stopping Danny Ball in round four of their 10-round welterweight fight.

In round four, Donovan dropped Ball with a hard left hand. Donovan then unloaded on Ball and dropped him again with a hard flurry of punches. The corner of Ball threw in the towel at 2:41.

Donovan, 146.5 lbs of Limerick, ENG is 12-0 with nine knockouts. Ball, 146.7 lbs of Kingswingford, ENG is 13-2-1.

Carty Stops Garber in 8th and Final Round

Popular heavyweight Thomas Carty stopped Dan Garber in the final minute of the eighth and final round.

Carty beat Garber down and in round eight, landed a hard left to the body that took the starch out of Garber and then dropped him after a few follow up punches at 2:19.

Carty, 154.3 lbs of Dublin, IRE is now 8-0 with seven knockouts. Garber, 220.5 lbs of Bradford, ENG is 5-2.

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Interim Featherweight title with a ninth round stoppage of Lucy Wildheart.

Nicolson Defends Interim Title with 9th round Stoppage of Wildheart

Nicolson won every one by boxing and breaking down Wildheart. Wildheart was bleeding all over her face. the fight was stopped when the corner of Wildheart threw in the towel as Nicolson was landing an unanswered flurry of punches at 1:11.

Georgio Visioli made a spectacular pro debut with a first-round stoppage over Lee Anthony Sibley in a super featherweight bout.

Visioli landed a perfect left hook that put Sibley on the canvas. Sibley got to his feet, but the fight was stopped at 1:21.

Visioli, 134.9 lbs of Guidford, ENG is 1-0 with one knockout. Sible, 133.5 lbs of La Oliva, SPA is 3-2.

NEW YORK (November 20 , 2023) – As undefeated rising Irish welterweight star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) prepares to fight for his first title as a professional this Saturday against Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs), former world middleweight champion and fellow Irishman, Andy Lee, has become Donovan’s invaluable chief second.

Donovan vs. Ball is being showcased on a DAZN PPV card presented by Matchroom Boxing, headlined by the rematch between undisputed world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0) and Katie Taylor (21-1), streaming live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, in a 10-round bout for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Championship.

The 24-year-old Donovan was a celebrated Irish amateur boxer who compiled a sterling 161-6 record, captured 13 national titles, in addition to a silver medal at the prestigious AIBA World Junior Championships. The Limerick fighter, who was born in Ennis, Ireland, trains with Lee in Dublin and the connection has been awe inspiring to date.

Ireland has had numerous world champions, but few in the welterweight division, aside from Hall of Famer Jimmy McLarin and Eamonn Loughran. Donovan embraces the rich Irish boxing history, confident of becoming special before he hangs up his gloves and, perhaps, joining their exclusive club.

“I am a welterweight and don’t have problems making weight,” Donovan said. “I feel brilliant, strong and I believe I’ll be world champion. Right now, I’m the biggest prospect in Ireland.

“It’s amazing how Irish fighters are such big attractions. Fans love the style of Irish boxing. We’re known as sluggers, but it’s starting to change into a more boxer-puncher style today, because we have some great amateur coaches in Ireland.”

Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), whose cousin is unbeaten lineal and reigning World Boxing Council (WBA) World Heavyweight Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs), not only trains Paddy, he also co-manages him along with New York-based attorney Keith Sullivan. Lee is well traveled having also been a 2004 Olympian, later trained by Hall of Famer Emanuel Steward and Adam Booth.

Not only does Lee believe Paddy is the top boxing prospect in Ireland, but he also feels that Donovan is one of the top boxing prospects in the entire world.

“I first met Paddy when he was a really young kid,” Lee remembered. “The first time I saw him was in the gym when my brother, Roger, told me about Paddy and his younger brother Eddie. Fast forward to the next time I saw Paddy; I was blown away with what I was seeing, but I wasn’t involved then as a trainer. I thought, if I was ever to get involved as a coach, this is the kid I want to do it with. He’s so talented and I see that every day I train him. He’s confident and something very special. He is one of the most talented boxers in the world.

“It’s not essential that he’s working with a world champion, but it definitely helps. I try to instill in my boxers what I learned from Emanuel Steward at the Kronk Gym, and the wealth of experience I have as a fighter going from London to Ireland, European and then Olympic competitions, and then working with Adam Booth. I’m finding a way to blend it all together.”

Presently, Lee is working in the Dublin gym with Paddy, as well as former World Boxing Organization (WBO) Heavyweight World Champion Joseph Parker (33-3, 23 KOs), of New Zealand, for his fight next month against Deontay Wilder, and Scottish heavyweight Nick Campbell (6-1, 5 KOs).

“No disrespect, “ Lee added, “because there are a lot of good fighters coming up in Ireland, but I believe Paddy is one of the best prospects in the world. It’s only a matter of time. We need to bring him along at the right pace, getting him experience in the gym. He has all the ingredients to be world champion, he just needs to cook a little more. He’s tough, works hard and is the hardest hitting welterweight. He’s taking the right steps to do what he’s capable of doing in boxing.”

Donovan has dedicated his fight to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. Lee and Sullivan have also felt the pain of suicide by close relations. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

“I’ve spent countless hours crying for my family members,” Donovan stated powerfully. “We need to speak about this, and Pieta is there to help. If I can get somebody to call that number and change their life, I think my deed is done on this earth.” 

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

NEW YORK (November 13, 2023) – Undefeated Irish welterweight sensation Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (11-0, 8 KOs) will fight for his first title as a professional on November 25th against BBB of C English welterweight champion Danny Ball (13-1-1, 6 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Championship.

Donovan, 24, will be showcased on the undisputed world super lightweight champion Chantelle Cameron (18-0) vs Katie Taylor (21-1) rematch, streaming on DAZN PPV live from 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland.

“If I win this fight,” Donovan said, “I will win the WBA Continental title and be ranked No. 15 by the WBA. I’d like to defend that title a few times and get a world title shot by the end of next year or early 2025.

“I know Katie Taylor extremely well; I was her sparring partner when I was 15. She’s one of the nicest people, not just in boxing, I’ve ever met. She’s never forgotten my name. She’s even come to train with me and Andy in Dublin a few times before fights.”

Fighting out of Limerick, Ireland, Donovan is trained in Dublin by former World Boxing Organization (WBO) World Middleweight Champion “Irish” Andy Lee (35-3-1, 24 KOs), whose cousin is unbeaten lineal and reigning World Boxing Council (WBA) World Heavyweight Champion Tyson “The Gypsy King” Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs).

Because of his relationship with Lee, Donovan has benefited from training with Fury and “The Gypsy King” is mighty high on his fellow Irish Traveller, Paddy.

“I think Paddy Donovan is one of the stars of the future,” Fury told the Irish Mirror. “He’s definitely the biggest prospect in Irish boxing at the moment. He’s a very, very talented young fighter and he’s had a lot of amateur experience. “He can punch hard, and he has got the boxing IQ, He’s had great tutelage with my cousin, Andy Lee. I think he’s going all the way, Paddy!”

“It meant so much to me when Tyson said that I’m going to be a world champion,” Donovan added. “They call him “The Gypsy King” and in Ireland, they call me “The Gypsy Prince.”

Donovan, who was born in Ennis in County Clare, is a slick southpaw with dynamite in both hands, who represented Ireland at the 2016 World Youth Championships in St. Petersburg, Russia. As an amateur (65-12), Donovan was a two-time Irish National Champion, as well as the 2017 International Tournament, Haringey Youth gold medalist in London.

In 2019, Donovan turned pro, stopping Arturo Lopez in the opening round of their clash in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which was scheduled for six rounds. Paddy’s last action was this past May, in which he knocked out 17-4-1 Sam O’Maison in round eight.

Already ranked No. 30 by the European Boxing Union, Donovan’s fight versus Ball, a former World Boxing Council (WBC) International Welterweight Champion, will be Paddy’s first scheduled 10-rounder.

“My opponent is a hard hitter who is the English champion,” Donovan added. “He’s won his last three fights in a row. I’ll open boxing, coming forward counter-punching, and then get the knockout.”

New York City-based attorney Keith Sullivan, known for his work in boxing as a lawyer, represented Lee and the two co-manage Donovan.

“I think Paddy has all the tools to be world champion,” Sullivan said. “all he really needs is time, top-level experience and opportunities. It’s great working again with Andy Lee, who has developed into a first-class boxing trainer. His boxing experience is helpful for a young boxer like Paddy.”

Donovan is a proponent of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. He is using this fight platform to promote Pieta, which is a suicide prevention charity providing mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy has lost two relatives to suicide, and he has dedicated his upcoming fight to mental health awareness. Lee and Sullivan have also felt the pain of suicide by close relations. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.

INFORMATION:

X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23

Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan

Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan

Leigh Wood reclaimed the WBA Featherweight World Title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Mauricio Lara at the AO Arena in Manchester, England.

Lara, who was the champion, lot the belt on the scales in Friday as 3.8 lbs of over the featherweight limit. This was a rematch of a fight that took place on February 18th when Lara knocked out Wood in the seventh round.

In round two, Wood put Lara on the canvas with a right uppercut. Wood suffered a cut over his left eye in round four.

Wood landed 150 of 429 punches; Lara was 76 of 314.

Wood, 125.9 lbs of Nottingham, ENG won by scores of 118-109 twice and 116-111 and is now 27-3. Lara, 129.8 lbs of Mexico City is 26-3-1.

Former world title challenger Jack Catterall won a 10-round unanimous decision over Darragh Foley in a junior welterweight contest.

In round seven, Catterall dropped Foley with a hard right hook. Early in round nine, it was another right that put Foley on the deck.

Catterall landed 170 of 374 punches; Foley was 81 of 414.

Catterall, 139.9 lbs of Chorley, IRE won by scores of 99-88, 98-89 and 97-90 and is now 27-1. Foley, 22-4-1 of Bondi, AUT is 22-5-1.

Terri Harper defended her WBA Super Welterweight World Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Ivana Habazin.

Harper landed 75 of 209 punches; Habazin was 70 of 363.

Harper, 150.3 lbs of Denaby Main, ENG won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 14-1-1. Habazin, 152.4 lbs of Zlatar, CRO is 21-5.

Aqib Fiaz barely remained undefeated with a eight-round decision over Costin Ion in a super featherweight bout.

In round six, Ion dropped Fiaz with a hard left hand.

Fiaz landed 92 of 260 punches; Ion was was 86 of 313.

Fiaz, 132.1 lbs of Oldham, ENG won by a 76-75 score and is now 12-0. Ion, Marvella, SPA is 10-4-2.

Dany Ball stopped Jami Robinson at the end of round eight of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Ball dropped Robinson with a short right on the inside. Ball jumped on Robinson and hit him with a barrage of punches that caused a bloody nose.

The bout was stopped in Robinson’s corner following the eighth round.

Ball, 146.1 lbs of Kingswinford, ENG is now 13-1-1 with six knockouts. Robinson, 146.8 lbs of Bolsaver, ENG is 15-6-2.

William Crolla made a successful pro debut with a four-round decision over Joe Hardy in a super welterweight bout.

In round three, Hardy landed a right hand that put Crolla on the canvas. In round four, Hardy’s nose was bloodied.

Crolla, 156.6 lbs of Manchester, ENG is the brother of former lightweight champion Anthony Crolla and is now 1-0. Hardy, 158.3 lbs of Leeds, ENG is 2-10.

Campbell Hatton remained undefeated with a fifth round stoppage over Michal Bulik in a scheduled eight-round super lightweight bout.

In round five, Hatton landed a hard right that was followed by a left that wobbled Bulik across the ring, and the bout was stopped at 38 seconds.

Hatton, 141.3 lbs of Hyde, ENG is 12-0 with five knockouts. Bulik, 138.6 lbs of Oplae, POL is 6-3.

Aaron Bowen took a six-round decision from Aljaz Venko in a middleweight bout.

Bowen, 163.6 lbs of Coventry, ENG won by a 60-55 score and is now 2-0. Venko, 161.1 lbs of Slovenska Bistrica, SLO is 5-4-1.

DANNY BALL insists he’s ready to become British Welterweight champion even though it means beating close pal, Chris Jenkins.

The Black Country boxer showed big potential on his BT Sport debut outpointing unbeaten Sam Gilley last Friday in the first defence of his WBC International Silver title.

Ball (10-0-1, 4 KOs) knows the British 10st 7lb division is stacked, but is happy to take on Britain’s best and fellow Queensberry star Jenkins tops his hit list.

Ball said: “I’m a fighter and any fight against a top British Welterweight I wouldn’t say no to it.

“Realistically, I would like to have two fights just to stay active and fight anyone. I’m not fussed.

“If the opportunity came up I would love to challenge the British champion, Chris Jenkins. That is my biggest target.

“I know Chris well from sparring and we keep in touch with each other. He is a good lad, but in boxing you have to fight and try and beat friends.

“I wouldn’t turn that fight down and I don’t think Chris would be happy if I did refuse that fight.”

The turnaround in Ball’s career is remarkable having boxed at Light-Heavyweight on the white collar circuit and then shedding two stone to box as a professional.

Kingswinford’s Ball, 24, slimmed down and made his debut in July 2017 leaving even his family shocked at what he achieved.

“To have done what I have in three-and-a-half years and to be promoted by Frank Warren, one of the biggest promoters in the world means a lot,” added Ball.

“I boxed as an amateur and went onto the white collar circuit just to keep fit and stay involved in boxing for a bit of fun.

“I don’t think anybody would have expected me to get this far as a professional, even my family because I liked my food.

“People underestimated me and didn’t think I was dedicated enough to get down to Welterweight. I was fighting at 12st 7lb on the white collar circuit.

“I had a tough fight in my final white collar contest and thought; ‘I’m better than this,’ so I decided to push my body and see where I got and it has clicked.

“I have let my weight go before between fights, but now I have such a big platform I’m straight back in the gym and keeping my weight down.”

Despite ten hard rounds against Gilley, Ball has returned to light training ready for the call from Warren about his next test.

He says: “I’m still over the moon with the win against Sam and to get the opportunity on BT Sport on a Queensberry show is something else.

“It was good to get ten hard rounds in and not to have everything my own way. I am back in the gym and can improve as a fighter.

“It was my TV debut and I will never forget walking onto the platform and seeing all the cameras. I didn’t freeze on the big stage.

“Errol Johnson (manager) is hoping to speak with Frank this week and get some idea when we might be back, but how nice will it be to box in front of fans again?”

THE UNBEATEN MIDLANDS puncher Danny Ball has joined the welterweight ranks at Queensberry Promotions and will now fight under the Frank Warren banner.

The 23-year-old, who holds a record of 9-0-1 (4 KOs), enjoyed a major career breakthrough in October of last year when he upset the odds from the away corner in Ellesmere Port and stopped the home fighter and highly regarded Mason Cartwright inside three rounds to claim the vacant WBC International Silver title.

It was a statement performance that signalled a new force arriving on the welterweight scene that includes now fellow Queensberry fighters in Chris Jenkins, Johnny Garton and new boy Ekow Essuman.

The clinical finish clearly caught the eye of those charged with recruitment at Queensberry, who quickly registered an interest.

“I can hardly believe it because it is such a massive thing and a massive opportunity for me,” reacted the Kingswinford-based Ball to his career development.

“Just after I won my WBC belt back in October my manager Errol (Johnson) said there had been contact and there was some interest in me. Then it went quiet for a bit and I didn’t think anything was going to come of it, but then the contract came through so I signed it on the same day and sent it straight back!

“It was an unbelievable feeling,” added Ball, who knew full well that he wasn’t drafted in for a shot at his belt with any expectation of him pulling off a victory.

“I don’t think anybody expected it apart from me and my team really. Everything was geared up for him to win it. He sold about 500 tickets, while I took about 100 up to Ellesmere Port with me and took it away from him as soon as I had the opportunity. I took it with both hands and I was always confident of winning the fight anyway.

“One hundred per cent it was my breakthrough and when we took it I said straight away that I was confident of beating him. It took me a couple of rounds to warm into the fight, but he didn’t faze me and when the opportunity came I got him out of there.”

Boxing runs through the Ball family with his uncle, Shaun Cooper, being a veteran of over 90 fights and captained the England amateur team, while his brother Jamie is the Midlands Area champion at super welterweight.

Danny himself departed the amateur scene at the age of 15 after 12 fights, of which he won nine. A rise in weight due to the inactivity led him to the white collar circuit to get fit, where he took part in 15 fights and won them all.

He made his professional debut with a first round stoppage in July 2017.

While he reckons it won’t be himself that starts any flirting with the more established 147-pounders, he insists he will not shy away if any of them are ready to sign up for battle.

“I don’t think I am in a position to call anyone out, but if they come to me I wouldn’t turn it down. I am 110 per cent confident of getting in there with anyone in the top five or ten in the rankings. No problem.

“I don’t think I have hit my prime in my body yet so just keep putting them in front of me and I will keep taking them out, then hopefully I will get the opportunity of another belt on the way up.

“It is a boring time at the moment but I am glad of the time with my little girl. I have been ticking over doing my road runs and exercises in the garden. I am just getting itchy to start punching again now.”

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DANNY BALL’S FIRST INTERVIEW AS A QUEENSBERRY FIGHTER IS AVAILABLE NOW! WATCH THE LATEST INSTALMENT OF ‘LOCKDOWN LOWDOWN’ HERE