FightIreland are delighted to bring you this interview with professional boxer and mma enthusiast Alan Donnellan. He is a great prospect with an unbeaten record and we will be following his preparation closely as he gears up for his next fight in September. Over the coming weeks, Alan will be giving us updates from his training camp which we will be posting on the site! But first of all we get to know the man himself in this interview!
So first up Alan, for the people that don’t know of you already, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I'm a 23 year old from Galway Ireland. I'm currently an undefeated 3-0 boxing out of Limerick. I graduated from Limerick Institute of Technology after four years. During that time I was given the opporunity to box internationally representing both my college and country. I have a huge interest in all martial arts and religiously follow all MMA events.
How did you get into boxing?
At an early age I experimented with a number of sports, but boxing is the sport that really captured my imagination.
There have been boxers in my family for generations but I was never aware of that until much later.
My parents decided not to tell me so as there was never any burden of expectation on me.
What gym are you training at?
I box out of St. Francis Boxing Club in Limerick under the tutelage of Ken Moore.
At what point did you know that boxing was a career that you would pursue?
Boxing professionally was always my ambition. Although the amateur format is just as prestigious and our country have really excelled in the past number of years, I used the amateur ranks as a platform to prepare for professional boxing.
What do you like most about boxing?
I would like to give some deep philosophical answer, but the truth is winning is my favorite thing about boxing.
Has your family had much of an influence on you as a boxer?
I can't say that my family have had much influence on me as a boxer. They support me; but never interfere with my training or preparation. They have however shaped me as a person and I believe my work ethic and passion for the sport are apparent each time I box. My family take the credit for nourishing that part of my life.
What are your long term goals in boxing?
I've been asked this question a number of times and I find it difficult to answer. I don't want to take fights for granted and end up eating my words. However, I do believe that I have real potential and a lot of time on my side. I have high expectations.
What other interests and hobbies do you have?
Outside of boxing I'm kept busy. I train everyday whether I have a fight coming up or not. BJJ is one passion of mine. I love watching rugby; I'm conflicted between supporting Connacht and Munster at the moment! I read a lot and love spending downtime with my family.
What are your thoughts on your upcoming fight it and who will you be fighting?
We haven't confirmed my opponent yet; but my approach will be the same. I'm eight weeks away from my fight now and I will outwork whoever I'm scheduled to fight in that timeframe.
How is your preparation for this fight going?
Generically I start "fight camp" eight weeks before I'm scheduled to box. However, in this case having had a fight fall through I had trained for eight weeks, taken a two week break and now I'm ready to train hard again. I'm already in good condition.
What does a typical day for you involve in the lead up to a fight?
I try not to have "typical" days as my body easily adjusts to routine. I alternate days- sparring days, conditioning days and technique days. This keeps my body guessing and pushes my thresholds constantly.
What sort of diet and training programs do you follow?
A very close friend Pat Divilly and I devised my nutritional plan. In vague terms I guess its a mixture of the paleolithic and anabolic diets. For training Ken Moore handles my boxing and I have a great Strength and Conditioning team on board too.
What are the highlights of your career so far in both amateur and professional boxing?
Well the first thing I did when I turned professional was throw out all of my amateur medals and trophies. That's the past now and the best reward from my amateur career was the ring experience I amassed. As a professional I've consistently been disappointed with myself- I am aware I'm my own worst critic- but although I'm undefeated I have an awful lot yet to show people.
In the Irish scene - who do you rate - your favorite fighters and why?
I'm in a very fortunate position here having sparred all over the country and sampled some of the finest training camps we have to offer. I'm unashamedly biased but my favourite at the moment has to be my regular training partner Gary "Spike" O'Sullivan. Carl Frampton is awe inspiring and I admire him a lot. The McDonagh brothers are sublime technically and two very nice guys. The Hylands are just an awesome outfit. My fellow product of St. Francis Boxing Club; Andy Lee is just at another level.
What fighter would you most like to go up against?
Thats a loaded question and I'm not sure I can answer right now! There's an undefeated English fighter on the radar and I think we would produce a terrifc fight.
Who has been your toughest opponent to date?
Ryan Clark was a very tough young man.
We know you are a big mma fan, any fighters that inspire you?
I've been an mma fan for years. St.Pierre is undoubtedly my favourite fighter because of his attitude and approach to the sport. Aldo is a terrific fighter also; although I detested his fight with Hominick. Frankie Edgar and Evan Dunham are more current favourites.
Would you ever think about getting in the cage?
I've been in a cage several times training. I have more of a passion for BJJ than MMA, but I'm sure it will happen at some stage.
And finally, if people want to contact you how can they reach you?
I think facebook is probably the best way to get to me. I have my own regular page and people have thought enough of me to open a fan page; any and all support is greatly appreciated guys.
I'd like to thank Darragh and the guys for featuring me. I can't believe the way that people have gotten behind me and I barely feel deserving of all your support. However, I will work to earn it and I'll give you all a reason to celebrate September 3.
