The IBF has kept Paddy Donovan in the title picture despite two straight losses, ordering him into a final eliminator against Karen Chukhadzhian that will determine the next mandatory challenger at welterweight. The decision preserves Donovan’s path even after his defeats to Lewis Crocker, while forcing Chukhadzhian to fight his way back again following two failed title attempts against Jaron Ennis.
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The sanctioning body confirmed that Donovan and Chukhadzhian, its two highest-rated available contenders, have been given 15 days to reach terms. If no agreement is reached by March 5, a purse bid hearing will be scheduled. The winner will secure mandatory challenger status and move into position for a future shot at the IBF title.
Donovan enters the eliminator in an unusual position. The Irish contender has not fought since his September split decision loss to Crocker, which followed his disqualification defeat in their first meeting earlier in the year. He was ahead on all three scorecards before the disqualification, but the official result cost him his unbeaten record and altered his standing in the division. The rematch was competitive, though Crocker’s two knockdowns proved decisive on the scorecards.
Despite those setbacks, Donovan has remained high in the IBF rankings. His earlier run of stoppage wins and competitive performances against Crocker kept him within reach of another eliminator rather than forcing him to rebuild from the bottom. The IBF’s reliance on its established rankings structure has allowed him to remain active in the title pipeline.
Chukhadzhian presents a different kind of challenge. The Ukrainian contender has already fought twice for the IBF title, losing both times to Ennis. In their October 2024 rematch, he showed improvement and greater defensive control, surviving a knockdown and extending the fight the distance. His technical discipline and ability to manage distance have allowed him to remain near the top of the rankings.
Since the second Ennis loss, Chukhadzhian has rebuilt his position with two wins, including a stoppage victory over Joel Mafauad. Those performances secured his place among the IBF’s top available contenders and set up the eliminator with Donovan.
The timing of the order places both fighters one win from returning to the title stage. Crocker currently holds the IBF belt and is scheduled to defend against Liam Paro later this year. That fight will determine the immediate direction of the title, while Donovan and Chukhadzhian compete to secure the next mandatory position.
Donovan’s inclusion in another eliminator reflects how sanctioning body rankings often prioritize continuity and recent competitiveness rather than forcing contenders to rebuild entirely after narrow or disputed losses. Whether he can capitalize on that opportunity against a technically disciplined opponent like Chukhadzhian will determine if his path back to a title fight remains open or closes for good.
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Last Updated on 2026/02/21 at 2:31 PM
