CASTLEWELLAN professional boxer Donagh Keary will box his fourth pro fight on 13 September, on the undercard of the history-making IBF world title fight between Belfast’s Lewis Crocker and Limerick’s Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park.
Matchroom Boxing and Eddie Hearn have stated they were inundated with requests from local professionals and boxing managers to be on the nine-fight card in south Belfast. Keary’s co-managers, Bobby Lavery and Jamie Conlon, secured a slot for Donagh after Eddie Hearn had viewed the Madison Square Garden footage from the talented boxer’s debut in March.
Camp started a few weeks back when Conlon had mentioned to Keary’s coach, Ryan Burnett, that he hoped to have Donagh on the undercard. No opponent has been named as yet for what will be the Castlewellan native’s first pro fight on home soil.
Training has been tough and focused, with sparring starting this Friday, when Lavery and Keary head to the Ibox Gym in London to spar Australian 2024 Olympian Charlie Senior, who also turned professional earlier this year. Sparring will then move to Romford, where Harvey Smith and Zach Phee will be the opponents next Monday and Wednesday. Other sparring is scheduled in Scotland for mid-August as the Rathfriland clubman looks to extend his unbeaten professional record when he takes to the Windsor Park pitch next month.
Ticket sales have been in high demand, with Keary selling 400 of his allocated 500 tickets. £80 tickets can be purchased from Bobby Lavery (contact: 07808175612 or 07742481212). Mixed price tickets are also available via Donagh Keary’s Instagram page @irishkidkeary.
This is another big step-up for the former St Malachy’s High School pupil, coming off the back of his victory over ex-Mexican champion Erik Lopez in his third pro fight back in June. Sponsorship from local businesses, bars, and construction firms has been overwhelming, and Donagh would like to thank everyone who is helping him to fulfil his dream of becoming a world champion.
The town of Castlewellan is now well and truly on the map as a result of Keary’s exploits.
To read the digital edition, download the Mourne Observer app – for apple click here – for android click here
