Donovan Vows to Overcome Crocker in Title Rematch on September 13

Paddy Donovan has pledged to deliver a decisive victory over Lewis Crocker in their upcoming rematch for the IBF world welterweight title. The two fighters faced off at a heated press conference in Belfast on Monday, where tensions ran high ahead of their clash at Windsor Park on September 13, 2024. Their initial encounter ended controversially in March, leading to Donovan’s disqualification after he struck Crocker after the bell following the eighth round.

During their first match, Donovan was penalized with point deductions in the sixth and eighth rounds by referee Marcus McDonnell due to fouls involving head and elbow strikes. Despite these setbacks, he appeared to be well on his way to victory before the disqualification. Now, he believes he can perform even better in the rematch.

“I’m ready to put on a demolition performance against Lewis,” Donovan stated confidently. “After the last fight, my confidence has only grown, and I think I can get the knockout this time in better fashion.” His team successfully appealed the result of their first fight with the IBF, and following the decision of Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis to vacate the title, this rematch has been elevated to a world title contest.

Crocker, for his part, is eager to prove that he is a more formidable opponent than he displayed in their first bout. The 28-year-old expressed his intention to showcase his skills at Windsor Park, a location he holds dear, having grown up just a short distance away in Sandy Row. “Nobody wanted the fight to end like that, including myself,” Crocker commented. “I know I’m a lot better fighter than that.”

He further elaborated on his motivation, saying, “The next day, I rang Jamie (Conlan, manager) and said ‘get that rematch sorted.’ There were no opponents in my mind other than Paddy, and everything’s worked out. We were fighting an eliminator originally, and now it’s for the title. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.”

The press conference drew a sizable crowd at the Europa Hotel, with both fighters receiving vocal support and criticism from their respective fans. Chants of “cheat, cheat, cheat” directed at Donovan contrasted sharply with accusations aimed at Crocker, including claims that he had quit in their previous encounter.

Crocker’s coach, Billy Nelson, hinted at underlying issues that affected his fighter during their last match, stating, “I think Andy (Lee, Donovan’s coach) and Paddy both know that wasn’t Lewis Crocker in the ring that night. There was an issue, but that will remain personal.” He acknowledged Donovan’s skill in the previous fight but also pointed out that he had committed multiple fouls.

Donovan, who entered the first fight as the underdog, dismissed the notion of excuses coming from Crocker’s camp. “The last fight, Billy and Crocker said they had no excuses, no injuries. They were ready to fight, and now they have excuses,” he said. “It’s in the past. We move forward. I’m ready to seize this opportunity, and I’m ready to do a number on Lewis.”

As the fight approaches, both fighters are keen to demonstrate their growth and readiness for the challenge, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown on September 13.