Larne star targeted for cross-water move as League Two club make formal bid
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Belfast Telegraph
4 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Date and venue confirmed for Crocker-Donovan 2: ‘To fight at Windsor for a world title is a dream come true'
The 28-year-old from Sandy Row was speaking after promoters Matchroom announced that the eagerly awaited rematch between Crocker and Donovan would be staged at Northern Ireland's national football stadium with the IBF world welterweight title on the line. In an interview with the Belfast Telegraph, Crocker admitted that he 'underperformed' in the controversial first bout at the SSE Arena in March, which ended with Donovan being disqualified, insisting that the public would see a much better performance this time around and that it was an event not to be missed. Crocker also outlined his fierce determination to become the latest boxing World Champion from Belfast following in the illustrious footsteps of the likes of Carl Frampton and Anthony Cacace. Frampton was the main man when Windsor last hosted boxing in 2018 with the Tigers Bay hero defeating Australian Luke Jackson. Crocker won on the undercard then but being top of the bill seven years on is dream come true stuff for him and his family. The fact that he will do so in the first ever all-Irish World title blockbuster makes it all the sweeter. Many boxers fantasise about performing in Vegas or in New York's iconic Madison Square Garden but for Crocker the south Belfast venue is where he wants to be. 'To fight at Windsor Park for a World title will be a dream,' said Crocker. 'It will be the first all-Irish fight for a World title so it's history as well. 'If you put me in an ideal situation as a kid and asked what I'd wished for that would have been it. 'I remember I would go out on a run and I would pass Windsor. I stopped at the stadium one day and looked at it and thought 'imagine fighting for a world title there'. The dream was always there. It is surreal now to think it is in touching distance. 'This is like my Madison Square Garden. This means everything to me and my family.' For Crocker, a fan of Linfield and Northern Ireland, the prospect of becoming a World Champion in a stadium within walking distance of his childhood home is something else. 'When I was younger it was great having Northern Ireland and Linfield playing at Windsor,' he said. 'My house is 10 minutes from here so me and my father would walk down to the stadium and my family and friends would come as well. 'Getting older I was away in camp a lot so I didn't get to as many games as I wanted to but when I come back it is always great. 'I was at Windsor when Linfield lifted the Gibson Cup last season and it was a cracking day. The atmosphere is always exceptional. 'I was lucky enough to fight on the last Windsor Park boxing bill when Carl Frampton fought and Tyson Fury was on the card. 'The atmosphere was exceptional and if we were to get that again it would be amazing.' The undefeated Crocker is well aware of the importance of boxing in Northern Ireland's sporting history. He is hungry to become the latest World Champion from his home city and is hoping to receive support from everyone here. 'Carl Frampton and Antony Cacace have won world titles and to follow names like that and become world champion would be a dream come true,' said Crocker. 'Northern Ireland always gets behind their own, especially in Belfast. Everyone shows up and supports. To have that for me would be incredible. 'It's Belfast v Limerick the way I see it. I got amazing support from the city in the last fight and hopefully I will continue to do so.' The first fight in March between Crocker and Donovan captured the imagination of boxing fans on the island and beyond. Donovan was ahead on the scorecards when he was adjudged to have punched Crocker after the bell to end the eighth round. The Limerick man had been deducted a point in the sixth round for use of the head and again in the eighth round before he knocked down Crocker late on in the same round. Going for the finish, the Limerick man threw a right hand after the bell sending Crocker to the canvas. Donovan thought he was victorious but referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified him declaring Crocker the winner which led to chaotic scenes in the ring. The Limerick man's team appealed the disqualification decision saying their man had not heard the bell at the end of the round, insisting the 10-second clapper was inaudible due to the deafening noise inside the SSE Arena and that the referee was out of position to step between the fighters at the bell. The appeal was successful with the IBF ordering a rematch. Crocker may have been declared the winner but when asked about his performance he delivered an honest assessment. 'There's no denying it, I well underperformed,' said Crocker. 'I'm a much better fighter than what I showed that night regardless of the illegal blows and whatever. Forget about that. I'm a far better fighter than that. 'I have a lot to prove to myself next time because I'm a lot better than that. 'Donovan threw the kitchen sink at me but I didn't really do the same to him so expect a different Lewis Crocker this time. 'Most people might see me as a massive underdog and feel I won't win but I'll take that every day. 'This is history and especially with how controversial the last fight was it makes the next one even bigger. There's rivalry between me and Donovan and it's a night not to be missed. 'I'm undefeated and I want to say that way. It's going to be a different Lewis Crocker without a doubt.' All this is a far cry from Crocker working in a nightclub and selling tickets for Belfast bus tours. Reflecting on his journey, he said: 'My older sister Alanna (Nihell who won bronze for Northern Ireland at the 2014 Commonwealth Games) boxed. Her and Katie Taylor were the first females to ever fight in Ireland so I followed in her footsteps. 'I always knew I wanted to be a boxer and reach the pinnacle of fighting for a world title and here I am. 'I had to work jobs in between boxing. I sold bus tours and worked in a nightclub. As much as you have your ups in boxing you have your downs as well. It's a rollercoaster ride. 'I'm 28 now and this is my 22nd professional fight coming up. It took a lot of years to get here. It goes to show for the next generation everything is possible because my dream was always to fight for a world title at Windsor Park so if I can do it anyone can.' Based in Scotland for training, Crocker reveals that his camp is going well. 'It's brilliant. Everything is going as planned. I've been back in Scotland since early May so I'll have a good hard camp for the next fight,' he says. Crocker, an amiable guy who speaks with passion about his boxing dreams, is managed by Jamie Conlan, once a brilliant, exciting fighter himself. 'Jamie has been more than a manager to me,' says Lewis. 'He has been a friend. When I was having troubled times and out with injury Jamie was there in each and every way. He has been my biggest supporter. If I ever need anything I'm straight on to Jamie and he sorts it in a heartbeat. I really appreciate Jamie. He is a friend for life.' The organisers were hoping to receive some public funding in relation to staging the world title fight at Windsor but have had no formal response from the NI Executive to date.
Edinburgh Reporter
08-07-2025
- Edinburgh Reporter
Learn about Edinburgh's sporting heritage at pop up exhibition
As part of the city-wide Edinburgh 900 celebrations, a new exhibition celebrating Edinburgh's rich sporting legacy opens this Wednesday at St James Quarter. Free and open to all, the exhibition invites visitors to explore Edinburgh Leisure's history of leisure and sport through displays and stories. Located in a dedicated Edinburgh 900 pop-up on Leith Street, next to Mor Bakery, the exhibition showcases the 'City of Leisure' theme and features highlights from three Edinburgh Leisure displays. Great Lengths and Your Health is for Life Discover Edinburgh Leisure's 27-year commitment to promoting active lifestyles and delve into the fascinating history of the city's Victorian swimming pools, including the iconic Royal Commonwealth Pool. Teeing Off Through Time Celebrate Edinburgh's prestigious golfing heritage designed to be displayed at the 125th Edinburgh Evening News Dispatch Trophy, held at Braid Hills Golf Course in May. Learn about the city's pivotal role in golf's origins, explore Edinburgh Leisure's six scenic golf courses, and uncover the stories behind historic tournaments like the Dispatch Trophy and Gibson Cup, which have shaped local golfing traditions for over 130 years. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, history buff, leisure enthusiast or simply curious, this exhibition offers a unique opportunity to experience Edinburgh's sporting spirit – all under one roof. Admission is free, and no booking is required. You can learn about Edinburgh Leisure's Active Communities programmes, which support over 12,500 people affected by health conditions, disabilities, inequalities and poverty to get active, membership options including their 4-week summer pass, available now, fundraising initiatives and also volunteering opportunities. Like this: Like Related
Belfast Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Larne star targeted for cross-water move as League Two club make formal bid
The 21-year-old was one of the stand-out players for the former Gibson Cup champions last season and could be set to benefit from that with a move across the water.
