Featherweight boxer Eric Donovan said he is in the greatest condition he’s ever been in as he prepares for his undercard bout against Zelfa Barrett on August 14th.
Speaking on Off The Ball, the Lilywhite Lightning will finally get his opportunity to shine on the undercard of the clash between Felix Cash and Jason Welborn in Eddie Hearn’s back garden which will air live on Sky Sports.
Donovan has kept himself ready throughout the COVID-19 pandemic believing a fighting opportunity was around the corner
“I never saw this fight coming. It’s the kind of thing you hoped for on the back of your mind when you’re doing your morning runs throughout lockdown with no end goal.”
Under new promoter Mark Dunlop, Donovan said he was told to keep training over lockdown as there would be a good chance an Irish fighter would be needed on the cards in the near future.
“He told me to keep in shape and then he came back to me a few weeks later and mentioned a load of different names to me and I said 'yes' to any of them. One happened to be Zelfa Barrett. I now have this opportunity.
Donovan agreed to fight at a heavier weight but maintains it’s the best shape he’s ever been in.
“I know it’s an old cliché, but I am actually in the best shape of my life, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually. I don’t think I was ever this good even as an amateur.
“When an opportunity comes your way, you have to be ready and that’s exactly what I am. Ready to answer the door when it knocks.”
Talking about his opponent, Donovan praised Barrett as a fighter but claimed he has never faced someone like Eric Donovan.
“Eddie Hearn is looking at Zelfa Barrett being the next big-ticket seller in Manchester. He’s invested in him. I think Barrett is a classy fighter, he likes to put on a bit of a show.
“I like him and I enjoy watching him but when this fight was put to me, I just said ‘yes’ straight away because when any opportunity comes up, I just have to jump on it. Zelfa Barrett is a serious boxer but he’s never boxed someone like Eric Donovan.
“I’m going to be his worst nightmare in the ring. I’m prepared for this and I know this is my redemption story. He will have to produce something Godly if he’s going to get the win on me.”
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