'I’m relentless': Andre 'Sugar Dre' Donovan of Uhrichsville continues climb up pro boxing ranks

NEW PHILADELPHIA — He’s one of the rising stars in the sport of boxing and he proudly represents Tuscarawas County.

Uhrichsville native Andre “Sugar Dre” Donovan is preparing for an upcoming professional bout Saturday night, March 25 in Murrysville, Pennsylvania against Alexander Mancil from Orlando, Florida. The fight, one of many on the boxing card that evening, is being billed as Murrysville Madness IV.

Donovan, who fights out of the T-County Boxing Academy in New Philadelphia and is trained by coach Lee Kreisher, who also operates the academy, competes in the Bantamweight class (118 pounds).

Donovan, 26, has been boxing for 13 years and has put up impressive numbers. He was 29-3 in the amateur division before turning pro approximately a year ago. He has won three of his five professional bouts.

Donovan has enjoyed many highlights in his career, but points to one in particular.

“(All bouts) are significant, but in my pro debut, I actually was the main event and I got a first-round knockout in a minute and 20 seconds,” he explained. “That was my most notable one as far as spectators go.”

Donovan’s style is one of constant pursuit of his opponent.

“I would say I’m relentless,” said Donovan. “I’m non-stop. I can adapt when I need to and listen to my coach, but my bread and butter is probably overwhelming my opponent.”

Kreisher agrees.

“He’s non-stop,” said the highly-respected boxing coach/trainer of Donovan’s aggressive style. “He’s a lot to handle — he overwhelms his opponents. You don’t have time to think in boxing, so he takes you out of your game plan real quick.”

Donovan said he formed his style watching films and videos of some of the greatest to ever lace up the gloves.

“I would say the old boxers,” he remarked of crafting his style after them. “Like Sugar Ray Robinson, Roberto Duran, Jake LaMotta. I just always found them fascinating. They were gritty and tough and rugged, and boxing helped them escape poverty and trouble. I just look up to them.”

Donovan has already formed his game plan against his upcoming opponent.

“He (Mancil) is 5-7 and comes in at 125 pounds,” said Donovan. “I just know that I’m the shorter guy and I just have to rip the body and the head will follow. It’s like fencing, I just have to get past that sword, and then when I’m in there, that’s when I have to go to work, and I have to make it count.”

The fight, which is expected to be one of approximately 10-to-15 bouts that evening, is slated for four rounds.

“Amateur (boxing) is all three rounds in Olympic-style and professionals start at four (rounds) and can go all the way up to 12,” said Kreisher. “This one is set for four rounds. He just fought a six (rounder) and he’s scheduled for a six on May 6.”

Kreisher has operated the T-County Boxing Academy for four years and enters his eighth year being licensed with USA boxing.

Donovan, who recently signed with Rising Star Promotions and DMT Promotions, is thrilled to have them representing him.

“They are my new promotions team,” he explained. “We just recently signed with them about a month ago. A guy we work with – his family are all Uhrichsville natives — so that’s why we went with his team, it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Both Donovan and Kreisher are thrilled the upcoming card is closer to home since they've traveled to the Washington D.C. area for quite a few of his fights..

“It (Murrysville) is about 10 minutes outside of Pittsburgh, so it’s like driving to Cleveland,” Kreisher said. “We’re excited, it’s basically a local show for us. “Normally when he fights, we have to travel. Although he did sell quite a few tickets in D.C., but nothing compared to what we did on this one.”

Kreisher said fans wanting to purchase tickets for the Murrysville fight card can buy them locally from him at the T-County Boxing Academy (1203 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia).

“We have tickets in hand,” said Kreisher. “They can either call or they can come into the gym. We have ringside for $100 (each) to general admission that are $50.”

The phone number to call for tickets is 330-432-2197.

“If everybody who shows up can find me after my fight, we can all group up and take a picture,” Donovan said.

Donovan loves the support he gets from fans throughout Tuscarawas County and knows they will be there in Murrysville March 25.

“All of this wouldn’t be possible if I didn’t have them supporting me and pushing me to keep striving for greatness,” he closed.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Uhrichsville boxer Andre Donovan on Murrysville Madness IV card