Defiant Donovan hopeful for TV return following Dublin rallying call

It seemed like a pre planned and welcomed rally cry, but Eric Donovan‘s post fight ‘Dublin boxing isn’t dead’ speech was a spur of the moment thing.

The former amateur standout, who is now doing his best to realise a professional European title, ended a frustrating few weeks with a routine win over Samuil Dimitrov on the Celtic Clash 6 card on Saturday night – and after the shut out points win, took the mic of the ring announcer to rally the crowd.

‘Lillywhite Lightening’ reminded thanked those in attendance and reminded them of their importance to the sport before asking if they thought Dublin boxing was on its death bed.

“I want to thank all of you guys, some of you came to support me, some of you bought tickets to support other boxers, and without you we wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

“Thanks very much, keep coming back, and we’ll bring bigger and better nights!”

The gesture, which came from one of the best ambassadors for the sport in Ireland  prompted cheers from all those in attendance and added to the feel good factor of the night.

“It was just a spontaneous thing,” Donovan told Irish-Boxing.com after the fight.

“I just looked out of the ring, looked at all sides and I could see crowds of people and it was lovely. There were no gaps of people and I just thought more of this please.”

“Some people are saying boxing is dead in Dublin, but it’s not really and I just wanted to say thanks to the people.”

While Saturday showed there enough raw materials for Dublin boxing to build off boxing in the capital still pales in comparison to the booming Belfast scene.

TV would make a difference and RTÉ pundit Donovan does believe there is a route to get the national broadcasters involved.

“I talk to a few people in RTÉ, but at the end of the day they can’t just show me in against a journeyman. A breakthrough fight would be a European Union or European title fight.”

“If that happens I think we have a very good chance of getting TV. I think that is the best way to do it.”

Donovan was speaking after his eighth pro win and revealed he managed the four-round points triumph over Dimitrov with virtually one hand tied behind his back.  

“It was a routine performance and a routine win. I honestly didn’t know what form I was in going into this fight.”

“I boxed with a frozen shoulder. As soon as I got my hand right the shoulder went. I couldn’t understand what was wrong with the shoulder. I couldn’t throw a hook, I couldn’t throw an uppercut, well I could but I couldn’t generate power.”

“I was getting physio after physio and was getting worried I might have to get surgery. I didn’t know what was wrong with it,” he added before revealing the shoulder issue should soon be resolved.

“I got a scan in Santry and Ruth Delaney, who is a specialist, said it’s really unusual for someone my age to have it. It’s mainly found in women or people in their late 40s, but at least I ruled out it wasn’t anything major.”

“Knowing that I took the fight, I went through the pain barrier because I needed a run out and I sold a few tickets and I didn’t want to let them people down. Plus I am a professional boxer and all I seem to be doing over the last few years is paying bills so I need to be fighting because that is the only time you get paid.”

Once back from injury the fighter, who gave up his BUI featherweight Celtic title on Friday to allow Carl McDonald and Colin O’Donovan to fight for it, is hoping for an Irish title title shot next.

Now eligible for consideration for the European rankings, Donovan is keen to move in contention, starting with the green belt.

“There is talk of a title shot next. I came in for titles, I am ready titles, I am ready for the big fights.”

Kildare boxing is proudly supported by Liffey Crane Hire

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti – The Fighting Irish (@ThefIrish)