If dreams only come true for those who have the courage to pursue them Eric Donovan [15(8)-2(2)] he has been as brave as any Irish fighter.
The fighter from Kildare missed out on his chance to challenge for the EU title for the second time last summer and, for all intents and purposes, it seemed the latecomer to the pro game’s chances of continental glory were gone.
A second career loss suffered at the mitts of two-time Olympic gold medalist Robeisy Ramirez on his second big day away from home compounded the feeling that the serious spotlight had shone on the talented southpaw for the last time.
At 37, it was feared the late pro wrestler had missed the boat and his main title dreams were to sail off into the sunset while stuck on shore.
However, Donovan never gave up hope, kept paddling and finally got his reward later this month.
Lilywhite’s lightning challenges Khalil El Hadri [13(7)-1(0)] for the EU title LIVE on TG4 on Saturday night.
“I went through a lot of adversity and I never gave up on the dream that I would finally fight for the European title, I never gave up on the dream of fighting live on TV,” he tells Irish-boxing.com.
Donovan didn’t just dream he foresaw. Just over a year ago, when he wasn’t in a real position to make bold claims, he said he would fight for a continental strap on television.
“About a year ago I put out a post saying ‘I’m going to fight for the European title and it’s going to be live on Irish TV’ and I haven’t even talked to anyone about it,” he adds.
“It was an intuition I had, a premonition, a feeling, even a prophecy. I am a man of great faith and I operate on the principle of trying to do what is right. I just work hard and hope the opportunity comes and now it’s going to happen.”
The respected boxing expert makes an interesting television appearance before boxing in the box. Donovan participated in Ultimate Hell week.
Speaking about the experience, he said: “It is one of the hardest experiences of my life. I learned a lot about myself, they test you in ways you can only imagine. You learn things about yourself that you would never know unless you go to those departments. Overall it was a wonderful experience.”
