Lewis Crocker’s first fight with Paddy Donovan ended in shock fashion as Donovan was disqualified.
Paddy Donovan was minutes away from the greatest night of his career as he was coasting to a victory over Lewis Crocker, even with two point deductions for use of his head.
Going into the eighth round, Donovan was up on every scorecard, but a fatal error cost him the win, as he struck Crocker, whose eye was swollen shut, impairing his vision, after the bell sounded to close the round.
The delay between the bell and Donovan’s punch, which clearly injured Crocker, was significant enough that the referee disqualified Donovan, ruining what could’ve been the night of his life, and handing him his first loss.
As Jaron Ennis moves up in weight, the rematch between Donovan and Crocker is now set for September 13th, and this time it’s for the IBF world title.
Lewis Crocker previews rematch with Paddy Donovan
In an interview with IFL TV, Crocker spoke on the fight, as well as the huge opportunity of being one half of the first all-Irish world title fight.
“It was a 50/50 fight – the last one – going into it, and now like I’m a massive underdog. […] As much as I agree with the decision last time, I agree that there should be a rematch.”
When asked what he needed to do this time around to beat Donovan, who is trained by Joseph Parker and Hamzah Sheeraz‘s coach, Andy Lee, Crocker simply said,
“I have to be better from every aspect. I feel like I’m a much better fighter than what I showed last time. […] The stars have aligned for me, I’ll be fighting for a world title at Windsor Park as a big underdog, so I’ll take it.”
Making no excuses for his performance last time out, Crocker simply stated, “Everyone has an off day or an off night, and that’s what happened.”
Finally, Crocker was asked what it would mean to him to win the first all-Irish world title fight in front of a packed out Windsor Park.
“I keep thinking, surely there’s going to be one kid in this crowd who eventually will be a world champion. […] I was the kid in the Frampton crowds, so it’s class to inspire other kids in the community and the city, and if I was to get my hand raised, mate, I’d be a happy man for life.”
The winner will join the rankings of Irish stars such as Barry McGuigan, Carl Frampton, and, more recently, Katie Taylor.
Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2 – The stats
With the much-anticipated rematch looming, here is a comparison of both fighters:
| Lewis Crocker | Paddy Donovan | |
| Pro record | 21-0 | 14-1 |
| KO% (of all fights) | 52% | 73% |
| Height & Reach | 5’9″ & Unknown | 5’9″ & 79″ |
| Age | 28 | 26 |
| Last three | Paddy Donovan – W DQ Conah Walker – W UD Jose Felix – W TKO5 | Lewis Crocker – L DQ Lewis Ritson – W TKO9 Williams Herrera – TKO7 |
| Nickname | The Croc | The Real Deal |