It was simply as billed – one of many biggest all-Irish fights of all time.
Actually one of the crucial dramatic, however sadly, one of the crucial controversial too.
Simply when it appeared like Paddy Donovan was about to attain a sensational knockout win, he discovered himself disqualified and Lewis Crocker was declared the victor.
Quite than tears of pleasure ‘The Actual Deal’ was streaming tears of ache, heartbroken after he was thrown out for punching after the bell.
2 March 2025
Image By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing.
It got here second after the Limerick man had dropped a marked-up Crocker and appeared on the verge of victory and got here after Marcus McDonald had taken factors off ‘The Actual Deal’ for twice utilizing his head.
‘The Croc’, who performed his half in a superb struggle, had one eye closed by that stage, appeared in bother however was dropped by a late shot and the ref referred to as off the struggle.
Such was the struggle, the ambiance, and the ending that there might be rematch demand. Nevertheless, for now, Crocker is necessary for the IBF welterweight world title and will problem for a world title subsequent.
Basking in Carl Frampton-like ambiance, Crocker marched ahead behind a excessive guard within the first. The house fighter was glad to not present or throw a lot. The Limerick aspect of the rivalry needed to stay good and keep away from loading up. He did his finest to choose holes round defence of the Belfast man.
The second was comparable, though there was extra by the use of output by the Billy Nelson skilled boxer. Crocker scored two eye-catching uppercuts however there was loads of correct work from Donovan, who was trying to govern his opponent’s guard.
The struggle opened up additional within the third and the group someway bought louder. Donovan was glad to carry his ft and match his rival for struggle and drew blood from Crocker.
The whole lot the Belfast man threw appeared to have damaging energy behind it, however the hand pace of the Andy Lee-skilled man was the important thing issue.
By the tip of the stanza, the Munster man was touchdown sharp and hurtful mixtures.
2 March 2025
Image By Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
Lewis Crocker after his win through disqualification.
The ‘Actual Deal’ confirmed his class within the fourth and, regardless of being warned to be used of the top, started to impose himself on proceedings.
Crocker was sporting a nick beneath the attention and appeared marked up, but nonetheless there was a way the Belfast man was ready to unload.
The large pictures did are available in a pulsating fifth. The Sandyrow fighter’s left hook got here into play and examined the chin of the OLOL graduate.
Though Donovan’s ability set and accuracy have been nonetheless on show as he peppered eye-catching flurries.
The Limerick man was docked a degree to be used of the top in a excessive octane sixth. Crocker was having success with single huge pictures however Donovan was in a groove and displaying the sort of expertise his coach all the time prompt he possed.
One other conflict of heads prompted Crocker to retreat and the referee to name a day out within the subsequent, however the truth that Donovan punched the air on the finish of the stanza stated all of it.
In no way was Crocker out of the struggle however the fighter in Kronk colors boxing very good with sensible accuracy, disguised energy and top-level fluidity.
One other level deduction adopted within the subsequent spherical. Nevertheless, reasonably than be undetered, Donovan pushed ahead and had the Belfast man on the canvas quickly after.
Crocker rose to his ft, roared on by the Belfast crowd. Nevertheless, sensing an early end and what would have been a particular win, he went for the kill.
The large punching house fighter appeared ripe for the taking and was on the canvas once more however this time resulting from a punch that landed after the bell.
The referee proceeded to disqualify Donovan and declare Crocker the winner.
