Paddy Donovan has officially filed paperwork appealing his controversial loss to Lewis Crocker on Saturday night.
The Limerick native had multiple points deducted in his Belfast headliner with Lewis Crocker over the weekend. But he seemed to be heading towards a victory regardless before a punch after the eighth round had ended floored his rival.
Crocker is now ostensibly a top contender for Jaron Ennis’ IBF world title at welterweight. However, part of the appeal process is asking for the original ranking position that was on the line for this fight to be transferred to a quickly-ordered rematch.
Paddy Donovan appeals DQ loss to Lewis Crocker
A sold-out crowd packed the SSE Arena in Belfast on Saturday night to watch a massive all-Irish clash between Paddy Donovan and Lewis Crocker. Referee Marcus McDonnell was warning Donovan about elbows and his head from early on, and was quick to take points as the fight progressed.
Even with the deductions, however, Donovan was able to take control of proceedings and thought he had won the fight by knockout at the end of round eight. However, his punch was way after the bell, and within seconds he was devastated by the realization he had lost by disqualification.
According to BoxingScene, within minutes of the decision, Donovan’s attorney Keith Sullivan, a New Yorker that also acts as his manager, had written to the IBF. He has lodged a formal appeal against what he views as an unjust decision to disqualify his client.
“We’ve already filed to the IBF president Darryl Peoples back in the United States,” Sullivan said after the fact, also noting that he feels there are solid chances that the appeal is upheld.
“He definitely should not have been disqualified. We’re definitely seeking that the mandatory title shot be held until there’s a rematch and we’re prepared to go forward on a hearing for the next week.”
Andy Lee shreds referee over Paddy Donovan DQ
Donovan was clearly distraught with the news of his disqualification, particularly after feeling he had won the fight by knockout. He spoke briefly in the post-fight melee, but mainly allowed his coach Andy Lee to do the bulk of the media.
The former world champion spoke to the press in the dressing room after the fact, saying: “First off, Marcus McDonnell, I don’t know him personally, I’ve nothing against him personally, but his performance tonight was a disgrace.
“Both boxers were going in with their heads. He only ever warned Paddy. I said to him after the first warning ‘they’re both leaning in with their heads’, he said ‘’I know’, but he only warned Paddy.
“The second thing he (McDonnell) did, which is the worst thing of all: The crowd is loud, he sees Paddy is going for the finish. If he heard the bell – we didn’t hear the bell – the referee is supposed to be there to say ‘stop boxing’.
“He shouldn’t allow Paddy to throw that punch and get disqualified and he shouldn’t allow Crocker to take that punch which could’ve hurt him or ended his career.
“I think Marcus McDonnell, it’s nothing personal, but I think you’re a disgrace tonight. It needs to be looked into. That performance was horrible. He’s cost this man this fight.”