ERIC Donovan headlines Celtic Clash at the Devenish Complex in Belfast on Saturday night against Mexican hardman Jose Reyes.
Kildare native Donovan was originally expected to face Cristian Montilla but, after he pulled out, southpaw Reyes has been drafted in and could well prove to be a tougher opponent for the ambitious Athy featherweight.
Former Irish Elite champion and European Championship medallist Donovan has moved to 11-0 since making his pro debut in 2016. He wants to be tested and Reyes, who has gone the distance with Belfast’s former unified bantamweight champion Ryan Burnett and the likes of Paul Butler, Joe Ham and Marc Vidal, should push him.
“He’s been in against world class quality so it’s not going to be any sweat for him going in against me but that’s exactly what I want,” said Donovan.
“I want somebody who’s able to present some sort of a challenge and give me a good fight. A lot of work has gone into the training camp and I want to give the fans something to shout about.”
Donovan had prepared for orthodox Montilla so going in against a durable southpaw like Reyes in the main event of the evening certainly comes with a few risks.
“You just have to be professional and move on,” he said.
“At least I have my fight and that’s the main thing. I’ll have to adapt and I’ll know what to do, it’s a test for me and I’m relishing it, I’m looking forward to it.”
Donovan will bring a vocal travelling support to the atmospheric west Belfast venue and is hoping that this fight will be the start of a busy and successful year for him.
“I hope 2020 is a break-out year for me,” he said.
“I want to get a crack at a European title or a ranking title this year. I believe I’m good enough, I just want to get the breaks.
“I can only beat who’s put in front of me but I haven’t even been tested as a professional yet and I’m not saying that in a disrespectful way to my opponents. I haven’t had to dig deep and I want that, I’d welcome that.”
Devenish fight card:
Featherweight: Eric Donovan (11-0) v Jose Reyes (8-11-1)
Welterweight: Owen O’Neil (3-0) v Alexander Zeledon (5-20-3)
Light-heavyweight: Rhys Moran v Edgar Sniedze
Welterweight: Aaron Gethins v Eligio Palacios
Light-middleweight: Dominic Donegan v Geiboerd Omier
Ladies’ Welterweight: Katelynn Phelan v Boris Goranova
Light-welterweight: Senan Kelly v Josue Bendana
Light-welterweight: Francy Luzoho v Ivan Godor
Super-welterweight: Tony McGlynn v Dale Arrowsmith
