Paddy Donovan will get his IBF welterweight eliminator on May 15, but he must travel to Germany to take on Karen Chukhadzhian in Mannheim.
Donovan-Chukhadzhian will appear on a Ringside Zone card on a Friday night at SAP Arena.
Donovan, of Limerick, Ireland, is 14-2 (11 KOs) and coming off two controversial losses to Lewis Crocker. In the first defeat, an overeager Donovan was disqualified for a shot that dropped and stopped Crocker after the bell. In the rematch, Donovan seemed to win more rounds but was knocked down twice and lost a decision.
“I’m coming to Mannheim to win big and move closer to a world title,” Donovan said. “Karen is tough and experienced, but I have the power and hunger to take the victory and make my mark.”
Chukhadzhian is 26-3 (14 KOs) and two fights ago lost a second contest to Philadelphia’s gifted Jaron Ennis.
“This final eliminator is my chance to prove I belong at the very top,” Chukhadzhian said. “I’ve faced the best and I’m ready to outwork and outlast Paddy Donovan to earn my shot at the world title.”
The bout is an eliminator for Crocker’s IBF title on a bill that features several heavyweight clashes.
Emanuel Odiase, 10-0 (8 KOs), will face Nick Webb, 19-3 (15 KOs), in a 10-rounder and Peter Kadiru, 22-1 (13 KOs), will meet Senad Gashi, 34-4 (32 KOs), in an all-German heavyweight clash scheduled for eight rounds. There are also slots on the bill for unbeaten prospects Viktor Jurk, 13-0 (11 KOs), and Nellie Tiafack, 3-0 (3 KOs).
Said promoter Florian Winter: “This is a historic night for German boxing at the SAP Arena. We are delivering a true ‘Night of the Heavyweights,’ showcasing the best of our emerging talent against tough international opposition and celebrating the excitement and passion of the sport on a big stage.”
