Paddy Donovan’s quest for a third crack at Lewis Crocker will pit him against veteran spoiler Karen Chukhadzhian on May 15th in Mannheim, Germany.
Donovan (14-2, 11 KO) sits winless since his 2024 finish of Lewis Ritson, going 0-1-1 against Crocker in their two meetings. The first saw Donovan dominate the Belfast native in hostile territory, only to be disqualified for hitting after a bell that nobody in the ring was able to hear. The next time around, appeared to outpoint Crocker despite hitting the deck twice, but wound up on the wrong end of a split decision.
He’ll have a hell of a chip on his shoulder against Chukhadzhian (26-3, 13 KO) who’s best-known for taking Jaron Ennis the distance twice.
Karen Chukhadzhian said: “This final eliminator is my chance to prove I belong at the very top. I’ve faced the best and I’m ready to outwork and outlast Paddy Donovan to earn my shot at the world title.”
Paddy Donovan said: “I’m coming to Mannheim to win big and move closer to a world title. Karen is tough and experienced, but I have the power and hunger to take the victory and make my mark.”
Heavyweights Emanuel Odiase (10-0, 8 KO) and Nick Webb (19-3, 15 KO) helm the co-feature, while Peter Kadiru (22-1, 13 KO) vs Senad Gashi (34-4, 32 KO) and Olympian Nelvie Tiafack (3-0, 3 KO) highlight the rest of the undercard.
