Eric Donovan's stock soars despite first professional defeat

Eric Donovan, left, in action against Zelfa Barrett during their IBF Inter-Continental Super Feather Title bout at the Matchroom Fight Camp in Brentwood, England. Photo by Mark Robinson / Matchroom Boxing via Sportsfile

Eric Donovan suffered the first defeat of his professional career against Zelfa Barrett after a pulsating clash in London.

The 35-year-old was on top for large parts of a high-quality super-featherweight contest, but pre-fight favourite Barrett rallied strongly in the second half of the bout, twice flooring Donovan during the seventh round before ending matters in the eighth.