Philippines, 16 Apr 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Andy Lee predicts a victory and says Paddy Donovan is not discounting Lewis Ritson

PhilBoxing.com





This Saturday on DAZN from Leeds, UK

NEW YORK (May 20, 2024) – One of the hottest boxing trainers in the world, former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, promises that his rising star, undefeated Irishman Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (13-0, 10 KOs), is not looking past his opponent this Saturday, former British lightweight champion Lewis “Sandman” Ritson (23-3, 13 KOs), ahead of a potential showdown later this year with Northern Ireland’s Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs).

Donovan vs. Ritson is the 10-round co-featured event on a Matchroom Boxing card, headlined by a domestic clash between UK super lightweights Josh Taylor (19-1) and Jack Catterall (28-1), to be streamed on DAZN live from First Direct Arena in Leeds, United Kingdom.

Donovan, the 25-year-old fighting out of Limerick, where Lee hails from, will make his second title defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) Continental Welterweight Champion, after a TKO win over William Andres Herrera (15-2) in his last fight this past January 27.

Although Ritson is a tough fight, the fan-fantasy bout of Donovan vs. Crocker has been brewing for a while. Arguably it could be the most anticipated 2024 fight in Ireland and the UK. Donovan, though, has also ensured that he is fully focused right now on Ritson.

Lee, of course, has been to where Donovan aspires to reach, world champion. The fellow Irishmen have really connected, and they unquestionably believe the best is yet to come.

“There’s no way Paddy’s looking past Lewis Riston,” promised Lee, who also co-manages Donovan with NYC-based lawyer Keith Sullivan. “He’s a very experienced campaigner and at one stage he was the top man in England. We expect a tough, tough fight. Ritson’s moving up in weight, which I think will better suit him, probably bringing out the best in him, because I think he struggled to make the lighter weight for some time now.

“We’re expecting a hard fight, but Paddy’s training has been excellent. He’s in great form and sparring plenty of rounds, so I expect Paddy to come out the winner.”

Ritson, also a former WBA Inter-Continental Super Lightweight Champion, lost his last fight on March 4th, stopped by a body shot from Ohara Davies (24-2) in the ninth round.

“This fight will prepare me for bigger fights,” said the No. 11 WBA-rated welterweight Donovan. “I am lining myself up to win a world championship belt, so I take every fight very seriously, and prepare the best I can for every opponent. He is a really good opponent for me at this stage of my career. I need the challenge he can bring into the ring. This time around, I have had more time to prepare for this challenge than I did for my last fight. I’ve been working hard, and I will be ready!”

INFORMATION:
X (formerly Twitter): @PaddyDonovan23
Instagram: @paddy_realdeal_donovan
Facebook: /PaddyRealDealDonovan




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • BEN WHITTAKER OPENS UP ON HIS AMERICAN DREAM, CALL-OUTS AND HEADLINING IN 'SPECIAL CITY' LIVERPOOL THIS SATURDAY – LIVE ON DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IBA partners with Global Boxing Series for landmark fight night in Navi Mumbai
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • IM Arca finishes 2nd in Thailand Blitz
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Cebuano "Money Punch" Elmo Traya Heading to Georgia for WBF World Title Shot!
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Unfinished Business: Keyshawn Davis-Nahir Albright Super Lightweight Rematch Set for May 16 at Norfolk’s Scope Arena LIVE on DAZN
    , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • Rhaki Constantino bags Asian HeyBall Championship
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Thu, 16 Apr 2026
  • GARNICA VS. CORREA SET FOR WBC CONTINENTAL AMERICAS TITLE CLASH IN LONG BEACH MAY 15
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • IBA Board of Directors convenes for strategic April 2026 meeting
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Cadalso to turn pro in Juego Todo
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • 2-Time World Champion Shawn Porter Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday  May 2 in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • Former Coach of De La Salle University Taft-Manila finishes third place in Beijing Blitz Grand Prix
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 15 Apr 2026
  • "When one goes to war we all go to war!" – Owen Corrigan challenges Mad Dog Micah Rivetti for Light Heavyweight title May 29 in Perth – Thunderdome 54
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Crocs FC wins 3 titles in Football sa Bayan
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Chess Kings Ready to Battle in Pacquiao 3x3 Chess Team Tournament at Lica Malls 500 Shaw
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Manguyab to debut in RFL
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Simsri Crushes Mendoza, Retains IBF 108-lbs Title; Could A Filipino Challenger Fight Simsri Next? (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Manny Pacquiao and Jas Mathur via Manny Pacquiao Promotions Announce Nine-Figure Team Boxing League Partnership, Launching Manny Pacquiao’s San Diego TJ’s Franchise
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Pabular loses by a split decision
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • DFBC dominates in Invitational Doubles
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Santisima Faces Undefeated Grigoryan for IBF Asia Title in Russia
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Jenn Perella excited to be fighting in front of family & friends on ‘Rumble at the Rink II’
    , Tue, 14 Apr 2026
  • Angel Barrientes Training Camp Notes
    , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • DFBC sweeps Dubai Filipino bowlfest
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • Middleweight Contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. Dominates Omar Huerta in Main Event at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City & Live on ProBoxTV
    , Mon, 13 Apr 2026
  • Sergio Martinez returns with a victory at 51
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Mon, 13 Apr 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.