Biography
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
Area of Expertise
Breaking news, storytelling, sanctioning body shenanigans, purse bids
Interests
Attended Buddy McGirt vs. Felix Nance - Dec. 14, 1984, Uniondale (Long Island), New York. Went to support my dad's friend and co-worker at the time, featherweight contender Gino Gelormino on the undercard. Show also featured former 160lbs champ Vito Antuofermo and 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis Jnr.
Career Background
First year 1997, only for a short time for a now-defunct barber shop-style magazine; consecutively since 2002. I was literally born into the sport. My grandfather split four fights with Tony Canzoneri in the amateurs and was chief sparring partner for Al Singer, despite being denied his own pro career. My father boxed as an amateur and raised me on the sport. I boxed just long enough to realize I'm a better writer than a fighter and became further intrigued (though also often disgusted) by the sport once I began writing. I take pride in the fact that the general takeaway from my work is that I'm fair and balanced, but that I also provide a voice for those who feel silenced by the greater powers.
Awards & Honors
5 Top 3 placements plus further honorable mentions in BWAA Writing Awards.
Articles by Jake Donovan: page 24
David Benavidez: Moving up in weight put me in the driver’s seat
A move up to light heavyweight – and now cruiserweight – for former super middleweight titlist David Benavidez was not a matter of physical convenience but autonomy.
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Dalton Smith-Alberto Puello likely to be ordered next, per prior WBC ruling
Dalton Smith earned the right to enjoy a victory lap after Saturday's spectacular fifth-round knockout of Subriel Matias – but not the right to name his next opponent.
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Victor Santillan-Noel Reyes interim title fight set, February 21 in Santo Domingo
An interim 122lbs title fight is in the works while the division’s undisputed champion braces for the biggest fight of his career.
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De La Hoya sees Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia as gateway to big business with PBC
Oscar De La Hoya is hopeful that a major title fight will mark the start of big business to be conducted on a regular basis between Golden Boy Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions.
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Richardson Hitchins seeks notable fight ahead of pending mandatory defense
Junior welterweight titlist Richardson Hitchins will have (a little) time to secure a big fight after the IBF rescinded a mandatory ruling upon a successful appeal filed by Hitchins’ team.
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IBF set to order mandatory for Lewis Crocker; Conah Walker rematch denied
BoxingScene has confirmed that the IBF is set to order Lewis Crocker to next face mandatory challenger Liam Paro.
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Hendri Cedeño denied medical clearance; fight with Alfredo Santiago off
BoxingScene has confirmed that the Hendri Cedeno-Alfredo Santiago clash is off after Cedeno was not medically cleared by the New York State Athletic Commission.
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Agit Kabayel thankful to Riyadh Season; calls on sanctioning bodies to make 'great fights'
Agit Kabayel is honored to bring a big boxing show back to Germany, writes Jake Donovan
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Naoya Inoue-Junto Nakatani superfight targeted for May 2 at Tokyo Dome
It appears that the long-awaited Naoya Inoue-Junto Nakatani superfight is closer than ever to gracing the boxing calendar after spending all year on a collision course.
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