Irish boxing sensation Paddy Donovan is gearing up for his return to the ring on December 13 at the iconic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London. Trained by former middleweight world champion Andy Lee, Donovan has built an impressive record of 14-0 with 11 knockouts, positioning himself as one of the sport’s rising stars.
The 25-year-old Limerick native is on a steady climb through the welterweight ranks and is rumored to be heading towards a highly anticipated clash with Belfast’s Lewis Crocker in 2025. However, before that potential showdown, Donovan will focus on continuing his winning streak as he takes on an opponent yet to be announced.
A Stellar Undercard at York Hall
The December 13 card promises to be an exciting night for boxing fans, with several notable Matchroom prospects also set to feature. Middleweight talents George Liddard and Jimmy Sains, both trained by the renowned Tony Sims, will share the spotlight alongside rising stars Maisey Rose Courtney and Shannon Ryan.
Donovan, who last fought in May 2024, showcased his power and skill by stopping Lewis Ritson in nine rounds. Earlier in the year, he delivered another impressive performance, halting Williams Andes Herrera in the seventh round. Fans are eager to see how the Irishman continues to develop under Lee’s guidance.
A New Era for Boxing Promotions
The event, titled *Origins: A New Dawn*, is being promoted by Matchroom but organized by fight manager Charlie Sims. Sims, who recently returned to England from Los Angeles, is awaiting the renewal of his promoter’s license with the British Boxing Board of Control, which is expected to be finalized on December 12. Once approved, Sims will helm his own promotional company, Huge Boxing.
Sims has expressed his vision to create a unique and innovative promotional brand, blending creative storytelling elements he observed during his time in Los Angeles. This vision extends beyond the December show, with plans to launch a series of events that chart a fighter’s journey through various stages of their career. The subsequent chapters, *Destiny* and *Legacy*, aim to build narratives around the athletes, making them more relatable and engaging for fans.
While DAZN remains a likely broadcasting partner due to Sims’ existing relationship with Matchroom, he has reportedly received other offers and is expected to make a decision in the coming week. Sims also hinted at a packed 2025 schedule, including another show at York Hall on April 5.
What to Expect from December 13
While George Liddard (9-0, 5 KOs) will headline the card, Sims revealed that the focus for Donovan is to keep him active and give him valuable ring time. Donovan’s explosive style and growing reputation make him a must-watch fighter as he continues his rise through the welterweight division.
For Sims, this event marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Reflecting on his decision to return to the UK and launch a promotional company, he said:
*”I felt like I needed a new challenge, and I wanted to do something different.”*
As December 13 approaches, all eyes will be on York Hall, where Paddy Donovan and a host of emerging talent are set to light up the ring in what promises to be a night of thrilling action and the start of an exciting new journey for Huge Boxing.