Paddy Donovan knows all too well the devastating effect that depression can have on a person.
In 2021, the Limerick boxer lost two members of his family due to depression, with both his uncle and his cousin taking their own lives.
Donovan (8-0-0) himself is no stranger to the strain of negative thoughts. Ahead of his return to the ring this Saturday, the Limerick native opened up on his own mental health struggles.
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“I’ve been depressed, I’ve been down, I’ve had my mental health issues,” Donovan reveals.
“I lost my uncle at 28 and my first cousin at 25 last year.
“It’s so damaging to a human body and to a family, not just for a few months but for life.
“But it’s up to you to manage it,” says Donovan.
With numerous members of his family suffering from mental health issues, the cause is one that is close to the rising star's heart. With his following growing all the time, Donovan spoke about how he wants to use his platform to encourage people to look after their own mental health.
“It happens in every human being,” says Donovan.
“We have good days, and we have bad days. It’s like daytime, after daytime comes night and after night comes day.
“It doesn’t last forever.”
The undefeated boxer from Limerick also urges those that are feeling low to get out and find something that motivates you.
“You can sit there, and you can complain and moan.
“Or, you can get out, get active and try to get occupied and try to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s do this. Let’s not be down for the kids and the family looking up to me.”
Having lost both his uncle and cousin so tragically and at such a young age, the knockout artist is fully aware of how mental problems can fester and grow worse over time. Donovan encourages people to talk through their issues and find someone in your life that can help you to feel better.
“If things are really getting to you and you feel depressed, talk about it," says Donovan.
“Get out there and talk about it because there are people there to listen, people forget that. "A lot of people commit suicide thinking that they have nobody, they feel left alone in the world.
“But there’s people here to listen. My problems can be your problems and you can share your problems with me.
“We’re one race. We may come from different backgrounds but we’re all here for each other.”
Despite such a tragic couple of years, Donovan’s career has blossomed with his stock rising rapidly with each fight that passes. The ‘Gypsy Prince,’ who's nickname is inspired by Tyson Fury's moniker 'The Gypsy King,' is in the best shape of his life ahead of his return to Belfast, where he fights on the undercard of a fight night headlined by Michael Conlan’s fight with Miguel Marriaga.
“I’ve prepared well, and I am ready to fight,” said the man from the Treaty county.
“The camp went absolutely brilliant, and the weight is on point.”
“I’ve got a good challenge in Tom Hill, and we’ll see how it goes in the ring.
Donovan’s next opponent is Tom Hill (10-2-0), and the 27-year-old represents a significant step-up in competition. ‘The Gypsy Prince’ knows this, and is relishing the chance to test his skills against his toughest opponent to date.
“He’s going to bring the best out of me and is my best opponent to date on paper,” said Donovan.
“My name's quite big now in Ireland. I’m known as the next superstar to come through, probably right after Michael Conlan.
“These fights are going to gradually move me up the ladder and put me in a place where I’m main eventing very shortly.”
Despite the step-up in standard and the stiff test that is expected to come from Hill this weekend, Donovan is brimming with confidence heading into the fight and is in no doubt about how the fight will play out.
“A win first of all and hopefully if things are going well after four or five rounds I’ll push on for a knockout win.”
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