Donovan thanks fans for support after capturing first pro belt

Athy native Eric Donovan won his first professional belt at the National Stadium at the weekend with a comprehensive points decision over veteran Welsh journeyman Dai Davies to pick up the Boxing Union of Ireland's Celtic featherweight title. The dad-of-two and RTE pundit - who is dubbed 'Lilywhite Lightning' - later posed with the precious belt with partner Laura Cusack. Laura paid tribute saying: "So proud of this man winning his 1st title. Absolutely brilliant tonight, deserves every a bit of success." Former European amateur medallist Donovan – now 5-0 as a pro – managed to maintain an impressive pace throughout as he was awarded every round on referee Emilie Tiedt’s scorecard, overcoming an early cut on his right eye to take an 80-72 decision.

Donovan and Davies at the weigh-in

Donovan's corner team included former Olympic silver medallist Ken Egan - also an ex-international amateur team-mate in the past. Donovan said afterwards: "I'm over the moon. I'm really delighted, but I feel like that was my first introduction to professional boxing even though I've fought a few journeymen and four other fights. "That was different against a different type of guy and you can tell he has over 230 rounds of professional boxing against my 12 before this fight. "He just knew at different times when to block you and grab your hands on the inside - little, small tricks and tactics that I was enjoying learning as I was going on. "I felt like I might be able to take him out, but then I felt like I'd never went that far before and I was exerting a lot of energy so I relaxed. "It was a winning experience for me because I done eight rounds for the first time, and proven myself there, and the fight was comfortable."