Prospect Paddy Donovan faces a step up in quality against Lewis Ritson
Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall’s highly anticipated rematch was pushed back yet again after the Scotsman revealed that recovery from a February eye procedure has been slower than expected. The fight was originally scheduled for April 27 but has been postponed to May 25.
With the new May date confirmed, Matchroom has now confirmed that Paddy Donovan (13-0, 10KO) will be stepping into the ring on the show’s undercard.
The popular prospect is scheduled to face off against Lewis Ritson (23-3, 13KO) as part of the stacked Leeds event.
The undefeated Irishman has had a spectacular rise through the professional ranks, hardly putting a foot wrong since turning pro in 2019, securing 10 stoppages in 13 bouts.
Donovan’s last outing saw him add another win to his growing resume. Stopping Williams Andres Herrera in the seventh.
Ritson will prove to be a step up in class for the 25-year-old emerging talent. While his record may be slightly spotty of late, the former British lightweight champion undoubtedly possesses a level of ring craftsmanship not yet seen in any of Donovan’s previous opponents.
The 30-year-old has racked up impressive wins over the likes of Dejan Zlaticanin and Miguel Vazquez, though unfortunately there has always appeared to be a clear ceiling to the ‘Sandman’s’ ability.
It’s been over a year since the Geordie last laced up, suffering a knockout defeat to Ohara Davies in a home town appearance in March last year.
His upcoming bout against Donovan could prove one last opportunity for Ritson to put his name back on the map. However, with his opponent’s substantial knockout power, the move appears a risky one.
There’s a lot on the line for both men in May. Paddy Donovan is currently ranked at WBA #12. A win for ‘The Real Deal’ will see him move ever closer to a chance at world honours. Conversely, the meeting will likely be Ritson’s final chance at putting himself in any serious contention in the World rankings.