Paddy Donovan will risk his IBF mandatory welterweight position against Tyrone McKenna on September 5 at Croke Park in Dublin while waiting for champion Liam Paro. Donovan enters the bout following a majority decision victory over Karen Chukhadzhian in May.
The Limerick southpaw earned his place as the top contender in the IBF rankings after a disciplined display against Chukhadzhian in Germany last May. Donovan floored the Ukrainian twice over 12 rounds, taking the win with scores of 115-111 and 114-112 while a third judge scored it 113-113. Overcoming Chukhadzhian—a fighter renowned for defensive movement and awkward counterpunching who previously frustrated world champion Jaron Ennis—marked a significant recovery for Donovan. It followed a difficult 2025 campaign where he suffered consecutive losses to Lewis Crocker, first via disqualification for punching after the bell and then by split decision.
In McKenna, Donovan faces an experienced 36-year-old veteran who holds a professional record of 25 wins, six losses, and one draw, with eight knockouts. McKenna has lost five of his last nine bouts since 2020, frequently falling short whenever stepping above domestic competition. Lacking major punching power, the Belfast fighter relies on physical toughness, volume punching, and constant forward pressure to make fights uncomfortable.
Donovan must maintain his composure throughout. Past performances have shown his discipline can waver when under sustained pressure.
Addressing the potential danger of taking a fight before securing his world title opportunity, Donovan said: “Some may say it’s a risky fight for me as once again being ranked No. 1 by the IBF, but I’m a hungry fighter and I want to stay active. Right now, Paro hasn’t decided what’s next for him. While I wait on Paro’s decision, I want to keep active and fighting Tyrone McKenna in front of 80,000 fans sounds splendid”
Victory at Croke Park is essential if Donovan is to preserve his position as mandatory challenger for Paro’s IBF belt. While defeating McKenna may not prove he is ready for world championship level, a loss would confirm he is not. The bout serves as chief support to Katie Taylor’s clash with Flora Pili, with the event set to be streamed live worldwide on DAZN.
