AS well recorded, there was no IBF World Welterweight title for Limerick’s Paddy Donovan – who lost to Lewis Crocker on his home turf in Belfast on a narrow split decision – at the weekend, but there was a good win at Windsor Park for his cousin Jim Donovan on his professional debut.
In a middleweight contest, Donovan, overcame Lukasz Barabasz (Poland) on points.
21 year old Donovan had won 10 national titles, along with medals from European Schools (silver) and World Youth (bronze) Championships, before switching to the paid ranks.
A minute in, Donovan landed a big body blow on Barabasz, who survived a count early in the third round after shopping an uppercut from the Limerick man.
Later, Donovan landed a sweet right hand heading for the last minute of the fight and maintained his dominance.
Referee Eamon Magill handed the Limerick man the victory, scoring it 39-36 in his favour.
