It was far from plain sailing.

He and the team collectively would've had a fright upon hearing the scorecards being announced, aware Karen Chukhadzhian was coming on strong in the final few rounds as the Limerick man tired.

Nonetheless, he's back in the win column after being second best in an unpredictable two-fight series with Lewis Crocker, who won the vacant IBF title during their competitive rematch last September at Windsor Park.

The first meeting was one-sided in Donovan's favor before being disqualified after eight rounds for hitting his compatriot after the bell had sounded and now, Crocker heads to Brisbane, Australia before an intriguing first title defense against former 140-pound champion Liam Paro next month.

"Chukhadzhian is very tough, got great heart, engine, just kept coming forward and I had to show a bit of everything, maturity, boxing skill, punching power, fighting the inside, boxing on the outside, under pressure coming to Germany, it shows a complete fighter and I think that's my best win today," he told Boxing Scene.

His trainer, Andy Lee, deemed it the greatest win from any of his fighters during his coaching career to date and the 27-year-old wants to keep the ball rolling after illness ruled him out of a proposed final eliminator with Paro on January 16.

"That means so much to me," Lee said. "Chukhadzhian is a world class fighter, don’t be under any illusions and think that he’s not, he is. So to land in Germany and fight a home fighter is a tough task alone."

After hearing promoter Eddie Hearn talk effusively about the stack of stateside names awaiting fight news in his division, he stressed a willingness to fight all comers and wouldn't mind another away day. The one he really wants most though, is far closer to home and he'll be willing Crocker on for a chance to settle their rivalry later this year.

"Of course, it’s the biggest fight in Irish boxing history. It’s demanded by the Irish fans and everybody in the land of Ireland wants to see this for the third time," Lee added.

Over to you, Lewis.