Donovan George Looks Ahead After Victory

By Joe Harrison
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Donovan “Da Bomb” George (13-0-1, 11 KOs) knocked down Alberto Mercedes (13-14-1, 9 KOs) three times to score a 1st-round technical knockout at Cicero Stadium on Friday the 13th. It was the 6th straight knockout win for Chicago’s fastest rising fighter.

For the entire first round, George was able to use is jab efficiently to keep Mercedes at bay and set up his right hand which caused each knockdown. It was enough trouble for Mercedes to deal with Donovan’s left jab and left hook, but once the right hand landed, it seemed impossible for Mercedes to keep his balance and stay on his feet.

When Mercedes went down for the third time, referee Genaro Rodriguez had seen enough and called a halt to the bout. The official time of stoppage was 2:59 into the first round. George reacted by doing his trademark back-flip in the middle of the ring before climbing a turnbuckle and cheering with the fans.

After the fight, I was able to meet with Donovan and ask him a few questions.

BuzzNews – How did you feel in the ring tonight? Were you comfortable?

Donovan George – Oh, absolutely, I was relaxed right from the get-go. I saw what I had in front of me. I established my jab, felt my strength and power. I knocked him down three times in the first round so there’s not too much else you can ask for. I supposedly had a real durable guy who went the distance with a lot of people. I took him out like he was nothing. So I think that’s a huge statement for me.

BuzzNews – Where do you go from here? What’s next for you?

Donovan George – I’ll leave that up to my promoter and management. Cestus Management will guide me the right way. I have full faith in them that they’re going to take me where I need to go.

BuzzNews – Who do you think is the best in the super middleweight division today?

Donovan George – Joe Calzaghe by far. If him and Kessler fight, Joe Calzaghe will win.

BuzzNews – If it were 100% up to you, who would you like to face next?

Donovan George – Probably another prospect in my same situation. Somebody 13-0, 15-0, 17-0, maybe somebody on that Shobox thing. I’m not going to call out any names. I’m sick of calling people out. I’m sure I’m going to get the right fight now after making this statement.

BuzzNews – Do you know when you’ll be fighting again?

Donovan George – Probably within six to eight weeks definitely. I definitely want to be on the David Diaz/Erik Morales undercard too.

BuzzNews – Is there anything else you’d like to share or say to your fans out there?

Donovan George – Thanks for the continued support. Everyone’s been great. I think I made a pretty huge statement tonight, letting everyone know that I just took out a pretty durable guy in one round. I’m the real deal, I’m here to stay, and I’m going to be champion of the world.

After talking to Donovan George, his manager Mike Michael had this to say: “On the question of where does Don go from here, at this junction we are set on the coast of stepping up to the next level. You see now we have Top Rank and Bob Arum. Decisions have to be made. Don’s progress is way way on point how it should be, as you witnessed today. Don’s on his way to a fabulous and industrious career.”