IBF Orders Donovan vs Chukhadzhian Eliminator After Losses
Boxing News
by Olly CampbellFebruary 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has made a surprising decision to keep Paddy Donovan in the cruiserweight title picture despite his recent two straight losses. Following defeats against Ilunga Makabali and Chris Jaynes, the IBF has ordered an eliminator bout between Donovan and mandatory challenger Artur Chukhadzhian. This move has sparked intrigue among boxing fans, as it is rare for a fighter with two consecutive losses to remain in contention for a title shot.
Donovan, known for his explosive style and prior wins over notable opponents like Callum Smith and Jack Catterall, has been a consistent presence in the cruiserweight division. However, his loss to Makabali in September 2023, where he was stripped of the interim IBF title, marked a turning point. His second straight loss, against Jaynes in December, further raised questions about his place in the rankings. Despite these setbacks, the IBF has maintained Donovan’s status as a mandatory
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Originally published on Boxing News on 2/21/2026