The Limerick man hopes that a victory over the 30-year-old will set up a trilogy fight between himself and Lewis Crocker
09:16, 15 May 2026Updated 20:24, 15 May 2026
Paddy Donovan and Karen Chukhadzhian
Paddy Donovan faces Ukrainian Karen Chukhadzhian in a world title eliminator in Germany.
The Limerick man hopes that a victory over the 30-year-old, who has never been stopped in 29 pro bouts, will set up a trilogy fight between himself and Lewis Crocker for the Belfast man’s IBF belt later this year – possibly on Katie Taylor’s Croke Park card.
Meanwhile, Chukhadzhian is aiming to fight for the belt again himself after losing to Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis for a second time in November 2024. He is the only person to have gone 12 full rounds with the American, doing so twice.
Since that defeat the Kyiv native has won two fights, capturing the IBF and WBO International welterweight titles in the process.
Donovan is aiming to return to winning ways following his two defeats to Crocker in Belfast last year. ‘The Real Deal’ was controversially disqualified after striking the Sandy Row man after the bell in their first fight last March before losing via split-decision in a very close contest at Windsor Park last September for the vacant IBF belt.
Here is what you need to know about the fight:
Where and when is it?
The fight takes place at the SAP-Arena in Mannheim, Germany.
What time is the fight?
Ringwalks for the main event are expected to commence around 10pm Irish time. However, it could be later depending on how long the other fights on the card last.
What TV channel is it on?
DAZN will show the event live, with their coverage starting at 8.05pm Irish time. You can also follow updates with our live blog here.
Full card
- Paddy Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) vs Karen Chukhadzhian (26-3, 14 KOs) – welterweight (12 rounds)
- Emanuel Odiase (10-0, 8 KOs) vs Nick Webb (19-3, 15 KOs) – IBF European heavyweight title (10 rounds)
- Peter Kadiru (22-1, 13 KOs) vs Senad Gashi (34-4, 32 KOs) – heavyweight (10 rounds)
- Devrim Goekduman (13-0, 8 KOs) vs Franklyn Dwomoh (9-0, 2 KOs) – IBF European lightweight title (10 rounds)
- Alexander Okafor (3-0, 2 KOs) vs Elija Uelkuseven (8-0, 6 KOs) – German cruiserweight title (10 rounds)
- Viktor Jurk (13-0, 11 KOs) vs Edwin Castillo (13-2, 8 KOs) – heavyweight (8 rounds)
- Oluwole Jan Ciosek (4-0, 2 KOs) vs Shae Green (9-1-1, 2 KOs) – middleweight (6 rounds)
- Nelvie Tiafack (3-0, 3 KOs) vs Mateus Munhoz Da Penha (7-2-2, 3 KOs) – heavyweight (6 rounds)
- Edmon Avagyan (0-0) vs Patrik Fiala (13-7-2, 8 KOs) – cruiserweight (4 rounds)
Quotes corner
Paddy Donovan: “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.
“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.”
Betting odds
Paddy Donovan win: 6/4
Karen Chukhadzhian win: 4/7