Eric Donovan Retires from boxing

Eric Donovan has retired from boxing.

After 30 years of punching the Kildare favorite hung up his gloves on the age of 37.

Donovan goes out on high having scaled his private Everest to win the EU European tremendous featherweight title final month.

The previous St Michaels Athy BC newbie introduced his resolution on-line on Friday night.

Donovan was final seen within the ring in a Battle of the Yr contender with France’s Khalil El Hadri in September. Victory noticed him declare continental honours and rejoice in a “crowning second” reside on TG4.

It was believed he would pursue a compulsory defence in Kildare and say goodbye with a homecoming. Nevertheless, the EBU ordered a rematch and crew El Hadri gained purse bids, that means if Donovan was to defend the strap he would most certainly have to take action in France, one thing which clearly made it simpler to take the retirement route.

Donovan was a stand-out newbie, successful 5 Nationwide Elite Championships in addition to European Championships and European Union bronze.

The gifted southpaw felt he didn’t fulfill his potential within the vest and got here again to boxing with a ‘redemption’ remit when he entered the professional ranks post-turning 30.

The previous Boxing Eire and now former MHD guided fighter gained the BUI Celtic and the Irish title at featherweight with wins over Welsh Champion Dai Davies and Stephen McAfee respectively, he threatened to upset Zelfa Barrett reside on DAZN and fought two time Olympic gold medal winner Robeisy Ramírez reside on Sky, earlier than occurring to win the EU title on TG4.

Donovan additionally had a huge effect exterior the ring, proving an exquisite ambassador throughout troubled occasions for the game and often shining a constructive gentle on all issues battle recreation. He additionally courted mainstream media consideration and introduced TG4 again ringside and reignited their curiosity in broadcasting the game.

We right here at Irish-boxing.com want to thank Eric for all of the entry and leisure through the years. We want him effectively in retirement.

A press release launched on-line learn:

After quite a lot of consideration and dialogue with my household and crew, I’ve determined to hold up the gloves. A few of the finest experiences and reminiscences of my life have come from boxing. Now after 30 years within the recreation, I’m lastly content material with my achievements contained in the ring.

Because of St. Michael’s Boxing Membership Athy and all of the coaches & boxers who represented the membership and helped me out through the years, particularly Dom O’Rourke, who was an amazing coach/mentor and by no means gave up on me.

My skilled profession was considered one of redemption, with the EU European Title being my crowning second and an evening I’ll always remember. So many individuals helped me alongside the best way, coaches, cut-men, sparring companions, skilled assist personnel, sponsors and all my supporters. Whether or not it was for one battle or for a number of, I will probably be endlessly grateful on your assist and couldn’t have performed it with out your assist.