Professor Mike Donovan

Professor Mike Donovan with his father

Mike Donovan also known as Professor Mike Donovan and Mike O'Donovan (born 1847-09-27 in Chicago, IL — died 1918-03-24) was a middleweight boxer of the bare-knuckle era and later became one of the foremost teachers of the sport.

Professional career

During his career, Donovan fought both John L. Sullivan and Jack "The Nonpareil" Dempsey. It is also said that Wyatt Earp refereed a fight between John Shanssey and Mike Donovan.

Life After Boxing

After his active boxing career ended, Donovan became a boxing instructor at the New York Athletic Club. He taught United States President Teddy Roosevelt and his sons how to box.

Personal

He was married to Cecilia and had 8 children John J Donovan, Margaret Donovan, Henry H Donovan, Arthur Donovan, Mary V Donovan, Helen Donovan, Lucy A Donovan and Katherine Donovan. After he died, Donovan's will indicated that his last name was actually O'Donovan. His silver championship belt was bequeathed to his son, Arthur Donovan, who was in the 105th Field Artillery at Spartanburg, North Carolina at the time. His grandson, Art Donovan, Jr., is a member of the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Honors

Donovan has been elected to the IBHOF.

External links

• Professional boxing record for Professor Mike Donovan from BoxRec
• IBHOF Bio [1]

Persondata
Name	Donovan, Mike
Alternative names
Short description
Date of birth	1847
Place of birth
Date of death	1918
Place of death