That little bit of nastiness required to be an elite boxer is shown in the eyes of one of the nicest guys in Irish boxing as he starts talking about the man who stands between him and EU super featherweight title success next. Saturday night.
Eric Donovan [15(8)-2(2)] he is as always eloquent, courteous and even jovial as he comments on the fact that he has been handed the ‘crowning of his career’ moment which will be broadcast live on terrestrial television via TG4.
However, when 27-year-old Khalil El Hadri’s name is mentioned, his demeanor changes. As it is important for the Pascal Collins-trained boxer to show himself respectfully, that change is not very obvious and he avoids any invitation to speak badly, but there is a change nonetheless.
That eye of the tiger is on display when he declares that the Les Mureaux native, who was considered a top French prospect when he converted in 2018, is good, but he is no good Eric Donovan.
Donovan, who in his role as RTE’s expert is one of the most respected at breaking up a fight, has studied the French amateur and pro-national title winner and admits that ‘EHK’ is a good operator. He just isn’t good enough to beat him if he’s fit.
“Looking at him, he’s a solid opponent, he’s strong but he’s not Eric Donovan,” the 37-year-old tells Irish-boxing.com.
“He’s not as smart as me, he’s not as strong as me and he doesn’t have the same pedigree that I have. The best Eric Donovan beats the best El Hadhri.”
Having superior talent does not guarantee victory, the St Michael’s Athy graduate, who won five elite national titles between 2004 and 2010, knows this all too well. In fact, he has first-hand experience after beating recent EBU title winner Zelfa Barrett for much of a Fight Camp bout, only to be stopped by the Manchester Matchroom fighter. Donovan is convinced that he is ready to do whatever it takes to get him to raise his hand this time.
“It’s about him being ready to go to whatever department he has to go, whether it’s emotionally, mentally or physically.
“I have been tested in all those areas throughout my life. I have overcome many adversities and never gave up the dream that I would finally fight for a European title.
The most recent Irish winners of the EU title, Paulie Hyland and Andy Murray, used those wins to secure the EBU European title, against Willie Casey and Gavin Rees, respectively. A victory for the European amateur medalist could clear a similar path to full continental success and product Athy BC would be well within their rights to target the winner of the European title fight between Juan Ferlix Gomez and Catalin Ionescu.
However, for now his gaze does not look beyond Saturday and the Europa Hotel hosted, promoted by MHD, the fight for the TG4 title.
“The focus is on this fight and if I get the job done then we can sit down and talk about exciting prospects, exciting possibilities, homecomings, the options are endless. We can speculate all we want, we can think about what’s next and dream, but right now the mission is to win on Saturday. And I have to win.”
