‘We can make any fight Frank wants’ – Teen talent targets tests

Edward Donovan [1(0)-0] has told Frank Warren he is ready to fight anyone of note the promoter wants.

The Limerick teen made his debut at the Copper Box on the last weekend of last month defeating fellow debutant Matthew King [0-1] over four rounds.

Standard procedure would see the former underage standout continue to ease his way into the pro ranks via learning fights against journeymen – and that is most likely the route Donovan will be brought down.

However, the young prospect has told his promoter Warren he doesn’t want to fight regular away corner competitors and is ready for any challenge presented.

“As long as I know I am ready on the day, I prepared and I trained well it doesn’t matter who I am in against,” Donovan said after his debut win.

“I want to be active and move up the ladder fast. That’s what I am planning to do. I have a big amateur background and I don’t want to be in against journeymen. I am still young but I am ready. We can make any fight Frank wants, we can make them happen.”

Reflecting on his first pro win Donovan was pleased to end the 18 month wait to fight and content with his display.

“I really enjoyed it and I am happy it’s out of the way now. It was my first time in the ring in a year and a half. It’s been a long time coming.

“I’m happy with my performance, he was a big lad making his debut too, so I didn’t know much about him. He was rangy and awkward so I am happy with the result. I enjoy challenges this is what this sport was about. We knew he’d be a challenge even though we didn’t know much about him.”

“I am a year and half out of the ring, so I was a little bit rusty. I followed it a bit too much maybe looked for the stoppage too much but it was a debut and I got the win.”

Donovan, a younger brother of Top Rank prospect Paddy Donovan, admits there was pressure to perform not because of the family name but because those around him know his potential.

“I have a lot of family and fans at home wishing me good luck and they have high expectations for me. I have 10 National titles, European Junior Champion, so there was pressure to perform.”

The OLOL graduate was vocal during the fight, he wouldn’t get into what he was saying to his opponent just pointing out he was fired up and it lead to some chat.

“I was in that mode fight mode. I was really enjoying it, I was thinking ‘let’s do this’ and it came out in the ring.”