Undefeated Irishman Paddy “The Actual Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), the reigning World Boxing Affiliation (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, is totally specializing in his subsequent opponent, former British light-weight champion Lewis “Sandman” Ritson (23-3, 13 KOs), and never his rumored showdown later this yr with Northern Eire’s Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs).

Donovan vs. Ritson is the 10-round co-featured occasion Could twenty fifth on a Matchroom Boxing card, headlined by a home conflict between UK tremendous lightweights Josh Taylor (19-1) and Jack Catterall (28-1), to be streamed on DAZN dwell from First Direct Area in Leeds, United Kingdom.

The 25-year-old Donovan, who’s now ranked No. 11 on the earth by the World Boxing Affiliation (WBA), will defend his title belt for the second time after a TKO win over William Andres Herrera (15-2) in his final battle this previous January 27.

Donovan vs. Crocker has been percolating and if each fighters proceed successful will probably be one of the vital anticipated 2024 fights in Eire and the UK. The secret’s for each fighters to proceed successful with out a hiccup. Donovan understands that he must keep away from any distractions as he prepares to battle Ritson, particularly with the potential for a future battle in opposition to Crocker because it continues to construct exponentially into an epic super-fight.

“I don’t look previous any opponent,” Donovan mentioned. “I do know Lewis Ritson is a extremely good opponent for me at this stage of my profession. I’m actually excited to be ranked No. 11 on the earth and I’m checking all of the bins in coaching to be prepared for any fighter, Lewis first, after which we are able to transfer on to beating whoever my managers and promoter put in entrance of me. Ritson is an excellent opponent for me. That is the battle I want, the problem that can put together me for greater fights, particularly in opposition to Crocker, or anybody else. For me, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is, I can be prepared mentally and bodily, and simply be me.

“That is the most important take a look at of my profession, each battle from now could be like my world title battle. I imagine he’ll throw warning to the wind early within the battle, however I’ll match him for all the things he does, and I’m going into the ring to win each battle, each second, each spherical, and each battle.”

Ritson, additionally a former WBA Inter-Continental Tremendous Light-weight Champion, misplaced his final battle on March 4th, stopped by a physique shot from Ohara Davies (24-2) within the ninth spherical. Donovan has finished-off his final two opponents with crushing liver punches.

“Underneath the trusted eye of coach and co-manager, Andy Lee, I’m assured Paddy can be primed and able to showcase his boxing abilities and punching energy on Could twenty fifth,” commented NYC-based lawyer Keith Sullivan, Donovan’s co-manager. “That is Paddy’s breakout yr. I don’t envy anybody we match him in opposition to, as a result of he’s on a mission to battle for a world title. He’s hungry, and he’s earned it, however first he has to deal with enterprise within the ring with a really formidable Ritson.”

Ideally, Paddy Donovan wish to put “Sandman” Ritson to sleep, then and solely then, look towards Crocker, or whomever else stands in his path to a world title.