Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan world title fight date confirmed for Windsor Park
Matchroom Boxing have confirmed the date for the massive rematch, which will be the first time ever two boxers from the island of Ireland fight for a world title.
The first meeting between the pair earlier this year ended in controversial circumstances when Donovan was disqualified for striking Crocker after the bell at the end of the eighth round.
Andy Lee, Donovan's coach, described the performance of referee Marcus McDonnell, who also docked the Limerick man points in the sixth and eighth rounds for use of the head and elbow, as a 'disgrace' afterwards.
'The Real Deal' was well ahead on all three judge's scorecards before his disqualification, with his team successfully appealing the result, with the IBF ordering a rematch.
The first clash came at Belfast's SSE Arena and was a world title eliminator. However, Jaron 'Boots' Ennis has since vacated the IBF world title to move up in weight class and the belt will be on the line when Crocker and Donovan clash again, this time at the 18,500 capacity Windsor Park.
'This is the fight I've wanted since the final bell of the first one,' said Crocker. 'To run it back for the IBF World Title — and to do at such an iconic stadium in Belfast, in front of my own people — is something I've dreamed of my whole life.
'This isn't just a rematch. It's my chance to silence the doubters and prove I'm the best welterweight in the world. I know exactly what I need to do — and on fight night, I'm leaving with that World Title.' Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan (Image: ©Mark Robinson/Matchroom)
"It's going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on fight night,' commented Donovan. 'I'm looking to repeat another stellar boxing performance, set the record straight and come home with a World Title. I can't wait!"
'This is absolutely huge – the first ever all-Irish World Title fight,' stated Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn. 'The first meeting between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan had it all – an electric build-up, guts, knockdowns and a hugely controversial ending. That drama-filled night in March has set the rematch up perfectly, and September 13 promises to be even bigger and better.
'We expect a sell-out crowd at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast and one of the best atmospheres you've ever witnessed in Irish boxing – you do not want to miss this one. The first boxing event at Windsor Park since Irish icon Carl Frampton headlined here back in 2018, and the main event couldn't be more fitting. Two of the best Welterweights in the world battling it out for the IBF World Title. Watch it live around the world only on DAZN.'
'This is a monumental occasion — the first ever all-Irish World Title fight,' said Crocker's manager Jamie Conlan. 'The controversy surrounding the first bout, combined with the fact that it's taking place at Northern Ireland's national stadium, takes an already massive fight and makes it truly historic.
'Lewis Crocker lives just a stone's throw from Windsor and has followed Linfield Football Club since he was a boy, so for his first World Title fight to be held at the stadium is something out of a dream. This isn't just a fight — it's a moment in Irish boxing history, and Lewis is ready to seize it.'
Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, added: 'Live sport unites communities across Northern Ireland, and we're thrilled to build on the success of our previous boxing event in August 2018.
'We are proud to be partnering with Matchroom in hosting this world championship bout that not only showcases top-tier boxing but also highlights the versatility of the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park as a multi-purpose venue.'
'The first battle ended in highly controversial fashion, and I can't wait to see them run it back – this time for world honours,' said Alfie Sharman VP DAZN. 'It was a brilliant back and forth in front of an electric crowd. The rematch promises so much more. I expect Donovan to bring that same energy and Crocker to be better than before. It has all the makings of a classic. Watch it live and exclusive only on DAZN.'
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