Paddy Donovan is gearing up for his second boxing match of 2024, where he will face Lewis Ritson on the main card of the highly anticipated Josh Taylor vs. Jack Catterall II event. Donovan, an Irish-born boxer, boasts an impressive undefeated record of 13-0, with 10 of those victories coming by way of knockout. His British-born opponent, Lewis Ritson, holds a professional record of 23-3, including 13 knockout wins and two knockout losses.
This upcoming bout represents the most significant challenge of Donovan’s professional career thus far, as he aims to climb the ranks and position himself for a potential title shot in the future.
Weight Class and Career Overview
Paddy Donovan competes in the welterweight division, which has a weight limit of 147 pounds. He has fought in this weight class since his professional debut in October 2019, when he secured a first-round knockout victory against Arturo Lopez. Donovan discussed his comfort with making weight and his aspirations with Boxing Scene ahead of his fight against Danny Ball, a bout he won via fourth-round TKO. He stated:
“I am a welterweight and don’t have problems making weight. I feel brilliant, strong and I believe I’ll be world champion. Right now, I’m the biggest prospect in Ireland. It’s amazing how Irish fighters are such big attractions. Fans love the style of Irish boxing. We’re known as sluggers, but it’s starting to change into a more boxer-puncher style today, because we have some great amateur coaches in Ireland.” [h/t Boxing Scene]
The Welterweight Division
At 25 years old, Donovan is still relatively young in his boxing career, but he faces a highly competitive welterweight division. Currently, Terence Crawford holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO welterweight titles. Crawford became the undisputed champion after defeating Errol Spence via ninth-round TKO last July.
Jaron Ennis, known as ‘Boots,’ was promoted to IBF welterweight champion after Crawford was stripped of the title while waiting to potentially honor a rematch clause with Spence. Crawford, however, appears to be shifting his focus towards the super welterweight division, aiming to challenge Israil Madrimov for the WBA super welterweight title in August.
In the meantime, Ennis is scheduled to defend his IBF welterweight title against Cody Crowley in July. With Crawford likely vacating his belts as he moves up in weight, the welterweight division is poised for significant changes. This scenario could potentially accelerate Donovan’s path to a title shot, depending on his performance and the outcomes of upcoming bouts in the division.
Donovan’s fight against Ritson will be a crucial test of his skills and a major step in his quest to become a world champion. With a victory, he could position himself closer to the top contenders in the welterweight division and strengthen his claim as one of Ireland’s top boxing prospects.
