THE big Windsor Park punch-up on September 13 is closing in fast and a mixed bag of names have found their way to the undercard. In the main event, Belfast’s Lewis Crocker rematches Paddy Donovan following their hugely controversial first meeting in March.
The supporting cast sees the likes of Caoimhin Agyarko, Tyrone McKenna and Pat Brown seek to further their careers. The latest addition to the bill is middleweight prospect Jim Donovan, of Ireland’s Fightin’ Donovans clan, who will throw his first professional punches.
Poland’s Lukasz Szczepaniak will provide the opposition in a four-rounder on the card headlined by Jim’s first cousin, Paddy Donovan, who faces Crocker in the first All-Irish world pro title fight, for the IBF welterweight strap.
“What a stage to make my professional debut,” Jim said. “It’s been a long time coming and I can’t wait for the night I make my pro debut and also the night a world title comes to the Donovan home. Camp has been going very well.”
Like Paddy, Jim also trains for fights in Dublin with head trainer Andy Lee, who also co-manages both fighters with New York City-based attorney, Keith Sullivan.
“I couldn’t be happier to be with Andy and Keith,” Jim added. “I’m the luckiest prospect ever in Ireland. My pro debut won’t make me nervous because I train and fight every time like it’s for a world title. I’m excited to start.
“The atmosphere in Andy’s gym is so professional. Andy has always been and is like a father figure for me. I look up to him and anything he tells me to do, I do. Him being a world champion drives me.
“There’s no experience better than getting it from somebody who has already been where I want to get. I believe I can win a world title like Andy, and that road starts September 13th.”
