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.
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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.
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.
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.
Donovan has been elected to the IBHOF.