The fact that he did it Rocky Balboa style added to Eric Donovan’s Rocky moment.
The fighter from Kildare fulfilled his continental dream when he clasped the EBU European Union title around his waist on Saturday night.
It’s the win that means the world to the 37-year-old and one he would have celebrated regardless of how it was achieved.
However, because it came after 12 extremely tense, equally exciting and hugely grueling rounds, it was cause for double celebration for the former amateur standout.
The fact that the Kildare southpaw, who bested French star Khalil El Hadri at the Europa Hotel, live on TG4, had to navigate some rough waters to conquer Europe was not lost on him. In fact, speaking up after the fight was something he was extremely proud of and something that contributed to the Pascal Collins-trained fighter’s victory.
“I’m a bit speechless right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m honored, I’m excited, I’ve made a dream come true,” Donovan said when he spoke to the Boxing Bants shortly after his hand was raised.
“I always dreamed of nights like this, ever since I was a little kid, I always thought of classic boxing matches. Some that are like stories that have different chapters.
“The ones where the fighters fall, they get up, they show resilience, they show resolution, they dig down to the soles of their boots, they have to overcome a lot of adversity, all of that.
“These are the classic fights and you often wonder what it would be like to be involved in one of them. I think I just got involved in one of them tonight. I learned a lot about myself there.”
The veteran is known for his boxing brain and unique skill set, but it took both guts and cunning to ensure he achieved his dream live on terrestrial television.
In fact, the Athy BC graduate claims that his fighting spirit was his main asset in the fight. Donovan believes his heart broke his opponents’, suggesting the tough French operator’s will was shattered when he saw the Celtic Warrior Gym fighter bounce back and respond when he was under pressure.
“I knew I was up against a serious fighter. It was also a serious unit, it was in great shape, in great shape. But there were times in the fight where I felt like I broke his heart,” Donovan explained.
“Although I was 10 years older than him, and he probably looked at me and saw my last two fights against Zelfa Barrett and[Robiesy] Ramirez and getting knocked out probably thought he had the power, and he had the power to be fair to him.
“He could really punch and he probably thought he could take me out as well. But there is something inside of me. There is a burning desire to succeed. This reluctance to quit. This incredible tenacity to fight, to keep going.”
