Lewis Crocker has promised fans a far better version of himself when he meets Paddy Donovan in their highly anticipated rematch on September 13 at Windsor Park. The two Irish welterweights will clash for the vacant IBF world title in what will be the first all-Ireland world championship fight.
Their first meeting ended in controversy earlier this year when Donovan, ahead on the scorecards, was disqualified for striking Crocker after the bell. Crocker admits he struggled to settle into the fight but believes those eight rounds of experience will pay dividends this time. “It was the worst that I fought and just happened to be on the biggest occasion,” Crocker admitted. “I need to be a much better fighter next time around and that’s what I plan on being.”
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Donovan, trained by Andy Lee, surprised Crocker with his approach in their first bout, but the Belfast man insists he is now fully prepared. “We know what each other’s about now. I’ll have to be on my A-star game to perform and beat this guy, and that’s what I plan on doing,” Crocker said.
The rematch also brings a bigger stage. Their controversial first fight was held at the SSE Arena, but now the pair will step out at Windsor Park in front of an expected 20,000 fans. Crocker is relishing the atmosphere. “The crowd was amazing last time. Now we’re talking Windsor Park… it’ll be insane. It’ll be a memorable night for sure. I’ll feed off the crowd’s energy. Everything about it’s going to be amazing.”
With national pride and a world title on the line, the rematch between Crocker and Donovan is set to be one of the most significant nights in Irish boxing history.
Image Credit: The Ring