Paddy Donovan Faces Chukhadzhian In Mannheim Eliminator
Paddy Donovan faces Karen Chukhadzhian in a world title eliminator tonight at the SAP-Arena in Mannheim, Germany. The Irish boxer knows a win would move him closer to another world shot after two defeats to Lewis Crocker last year. DAZN will show the event live, with coverage starting at 8.05pm Irish time and the main-event ringwalks expected around 10pm Irish time.
Donovan’s reset in Mannheim
Donovan called it a sink or swim fight and said he is not sinking. “We're ready to get to work. We're here to put on a big show. This is a sink or swim fight and I for sure am not going to be sinking, I'm going to be swimming. I'm here to get the job done and move back to world honours.”
That is the task in front of him after a bruising 2024. He was controversially disqualified after striking Lewis Crocker after the bell in their first fight last March, then lost via split decision to Crocker at Windsor Park last September for the vacant IBF belt.
Chukhadzhian’s 29-bout test
Chukhadzhian, 30, brings a different kind of pressure. He has never been stopped in 29 professional bouts and went 12 full rounds with Jaron Ennis twice, the only fighter to do that. The Ukrainian lost to Ennis for a second time in November 2024, then responded with two wins that brought him the IBF and WBO International welterweight titles.
That record makes him a difficult eliminator opponent for Donovan, who needs to get through a fighter built for long rounds and late work. Donovan also said he has enjoyed the build-up in Germany. “I fought all over the world and I think this is one of the most beautiful places we have been so far. Everything has been absolutely perfect. We're excited to see the venue, get in the ring and see what the German fans are all about.”
DAZN’s Irish-time schedule
For viewers, the timing is set. DAZN’s coverage begins at 8.05pm Irish time, and the chief attraction should reach the ring at about 10pm Irish time inside the SAP-Arena. The winner moves a step closer to world honours, while Donovan is trying to turn a difficult run into the start of a return.
