November 24, 2024

Tyson Fury full of praise for Paddy Donovan – he’ll go all the way

Paddy #Paddy

Tyson Fury believes Paddy Donovan is the best prospect in Irish boxing at the moment and has backed the Limerick youngster to go far in his career.

The Real Deal has impressed many since turning professional in 2019 and has racked up a flawless record of 11-0 with eight of his wins coming by knockout.

The Ennis native is coached by Fury’s cousin former World Champion Andy Lee and has sparred with The Gypsy King on numerous occasions. The heavyweight champion has been impressed by Donovan and believes he has a big future ahead of him.

“I think Paddy is one of the stars of the future. He’s definitely the biggest prospect in Irish boxing at the moment,” said Fury.

“He’s a very very talented young fighter and he’s had a lot of amateur experience. He’s had a great tutelage with my cousin Andy Lee. I think he’s going to go all the way Paddy.”

Paddy Donovan and Tyson Fury in action (Image: Paddy Donovan Instagram)

There has been a dearth of professional boxing events in Ireland since the Regency Hotel attack in 2016, but big-time boxing has since returned and Katie Taylor’s historic homecoming bout with Chantelle Cameron last May appears to have kickstarted a new era for the sport in this country.

But the overall lack of events can stifle Irish fighters and makes it difficult for them to develop. Because of this, Donovan has had to gain experience fighting outside Ireland, a move which Fury believes will benefit him in the long-run.

“He can punch hard, he’s got the boxing IQ and he’s very talented. He just needs the opportunities. I feel with Irish boxing, there are not a lot of professional boxing shows that go on.

“So, sometimes it’s hard to develop a young prospect if they stay in Ireland. But I know Paddy’s been out in the UK and he’s been in America, so he’s getting a lot of good experience under his belt too.”

Donovan will get the chance to impress in front of his own fans when he headlines his own card at the National Stadium on September 23rd.

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