Top Rank Signs Irish Boxer Paddy Donovan for Pro Debut

Paddy Donovan, the southpaw amateur boxer from Limerick, Ireland, has signed a multi-year contract with Top Rank and is expected to make his professional debut later this year.

"I'm honored to sign with Top Rank. They are the best in boxing," Donovan said. "My goal is to become a world champion, and there is no one better than Top Rank to help me achieve my goal."

Donovan owns a lengthy amateur record of 161-5 and holds 13 national titles. The 20-year-old is managed and trained by Andy Lee, a former middleweight world champion in his own right.

"Paddy is a special talent," said his trainer. "He has all the skills and character to become a world champion. Top Rank's record of taking amateur boxers and guiding them into world champions is second to none. We couldn't be with a better company."

Donovan has earned championships outside of Ireland as well, including two titles at the Haringey Box Cup and a silver medal at the 2015 International Boxing Association World Junior Championships in Russia. With such a pedigree, Donovan could very well have battled it out for a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but has opted instead to compete in the professional boxing circuit.