Ireland's Paddy Donovan is one step closer to a second shot at world glory after a thrilling victory over Ukraine's Karen Chukhadzhian in their IBF welterweight final eliminator in Mannheim, Germany.

The Limerick southpaw, who suffered defeat to Lewis Crocker in a vacant title fight last September, bounced back in style with two knockdowns en route to a majority decision win (115-111, 114-112, 113-113). It was a performance that showed both resilience and ring craft, proving Donovan is ready for the biggest stage once more.

With Crocker set to make his first title defense against Liam Paro in Brisbane on June 24, Donovan now finds himself in pole position to face the winner. And he's not hiding his ambitions—he wants a trilogy with the Belfast man. "I wanted to put on a tremendous performance for the fans," Donovan told DAZN after the fight. "Now, [let's get] back for the trilogy—come on Lewis Crocker!"

The fight started cautiously, but Donovan's lightning-fast hands from his southpaw stance quickly began to find their mark. Chukhadzhian, a former world title challenger who had twice lost to Jaron 'Boots' Ennis, struggled to solve the puzzle early on. A sharp counter left hook at the end of the third round had the Ukrainian on unsteady legs, and the momentum was all Donovan's.

Donovan boxed with patience and precision, drawing Chukhadzhian in before landing crisp counters. That speed told in the sixth round when a spinning left hand dropped the Ukrainian, who beat the count but looked increasingly frustrated. In the eighth, another knockdown—this time contested by Chukhadzhian, who claimed he was pushed—left him with a mountain to climb on the scorecards.

Chukhadzhian responded by turning up the pressure on the inside, making the fight a gritty, back-and-forth affair. But Donovan's composure and accuracy carried him through, improving his record to 15-2 (both losses to Crocker, the first by disqualification in May 2025). For Chukhadzhian, now 26-4, it's back to the drawing board.

For boxing fans, this eliminator sets up a mouthwatering potential rematch—or trilogy—that could define the welterweight division. And for those who love the sport's grit and glory, Donovan's journey is one to watch closely.