Debut delay working to Dominic Donegan’s benefit

Dominic Donegan wants to start as he means to go on and claims the Irish fight fraternity will see the best of him come May 25th.

The Cavan prospect was due to make his debut on the TG4-broadcast ‘Clash of the Titans’ card in March, but felt the best Donegan wouldn’t be on show so elected against it.

Work commitments meant the Irish Army champion couldn’t train to the levels he felt he needed for him to perform at his best.

Rather than take an easy fight and register a routine win, the Drumgoon light middle elected to postpone his paid bow.

The Boxing Ireland fighter knew a May show was around the corner and felt he could commit fully to that and will now box on the ‘Celtic Clash 8’ bill in Belfast.

Donegan argues he would prefer quality over quantity in terms of camps and fights and is determined to be at his peak every time he enters the ring.

“I was meant to be fighting on Clash of the Titans and had a slot on the show,” Donegan explains to Irish-Boxing.com.

“Things didn’t go to plan with work and being given the time off. It was hard to consider myself being a serious contender when I couldn’t put 100% into my training and diet with not enough free time, so I thought hard about it and I finally decided I would give it a miss,” he continues, giving his reasoning.

“I knew the show in May was coming up so it was not too long to wait. It felt right as I knew I could put all my effort into it. I didn’t want to just jump in because I am not there just to make up numbers. I am there to make a name as a high quality professional boxer and to make an impact to the industry. It’s not about the numbers of fights it’s about the quality of the fighters.”

The debut delay has also given Donegan time to gel further with Dublin coach Jonathan Lewins, something else he feels has benefited him massively.

“Myself and my trainer, Jonathan Lewins has been getting a good bond together and getting used to working with each other. We have a great team there with Stephen McAfee, Dylan McDonagh and Kevin Cronin.”

“I’ve great support in the gym and have Stephen [Sharpe] and Len [Gunning] from Boxing Ireland Promotions looking after my career. It’s a really exciting time ahead,” he adds before stressing he is expecting a tough enough debut test at the Devinish next month.

“This will be a good test but I know as well as Stephen and Jonathan that I can do the business. So roll on May 25th.”

With more time to prepare, the fighter is confident he will put on a show on the card topped by an interesting Joe Fitzpatrick v Stephen Webb clash.

“I am expecting my fans to enjoy my fight and see what I can do and to finally get to showcase the effort and hard work myself and Jonathan have been working on over the past few months,” outlined Donegan.

“I am getting excited about my fight but also keeping focused as Stephen and Jonathan have chosen a good opponent for me.”

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The undercard next month also features Lurgan super feather Jamie Douglas, Larne featherweight Kelvin McDonald, Dublin light welter Jake Hanney, Antrim town cruiserweight Conor Cooke, Sligo welter Aaron Gethins, Derry middleweight Sean McGlinchey, East Belfast welter Tony Nellins, West Belfast pair Conor Doherty and Mathew Fitzsimons, and North Belfast duo Ciaran McVarnock and Owen O’Neill.

Tickets for the night are priced at £30 (unreserved) and £45 (ringside) and are available from all the boxers involved or online at universe.com (CLICK HERE).