Belfast was treated to an almighty preview for Saturday’s historic all-Irish IBF World Welterweight Title following an electric weigh-in this evening at a jam-packed The ICC, live on DAZN.
The noise from the crowd was deafening as Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan faced-off for a final time after both successfully hitting the championship weight limit. It was that raucous support that inadvertently led to Donovan’s disqualification after his punch landed after the bell.
The 26-year-old ‘Real Deal’ dropped ‘The Croc’ for a second time in round eight just seconds after the bell sounded, but the noise of the rapturous crowd made it difficult to hear. Referee Marcus McDonnell cut the Limerick fighter’s celebrations short as he disqualified him to hand the win to Belfast boxer Crocker instead.
The stage is set for the bitter rivals to settle the score in what is the first all-Irish world title fight in history.
In the co-main event, Ishmael Davis and the unbeaten ‘Black Thunder’ Caoimhin Agyarko shared a frosty exchange at the scales, as Tyrone McKenna and Dylan Moran were both raring to go ahead of their rematch on a stacked undercard – which also sees Team GB’s cruiserweight sensation Pat Brown and the eagerly anticipated professional boxing debut of ex-MMA star Molly McCann.
The official weigh-in results and fight night running order can be found below.
Prelims: Live on DAZN 4.30pm
Jim Donovan (159.5lbs)
Lucas Barabasz (163lbs)
4×3 Middleweight Contest
Kyle Smith (157lbs)
Connor Meanwell (155.5lbs)
4×3 Super-Middleweight Contest
Aaron Bowen (163.2lbs)
Carlos Miguel Ronner (162.2lbs)
8×3 Middleweight Contest
Donagh Keary (125.3lbs)
Caine Singh (125.3lbs)
4×3 Super Bantamweight Contest
Ruadhan Farrell (122lbs)
Matthew Boreland (121.7lbs)
10×3 Irish Super Bantamweight Title
Main Card: Live on DAZN 7pm
Molly McCann (121.3lb)
Kate Rodomska (118lbs)
6×2 Super Bantamweight Contest
Patrick Brown (204.8lbs)
Austin Nnmadi (197.6 lbs)
8×3 Cruiserweight Contest
Tyrone McKenna (149.5lbs)
Dylan Moran (149.8lbs)
10×3 Welterweight Contest
Ishmael Davis (153.5lbs)
Caoimhin Agyarko (153.3lbs)
12×3 WBA Continental Super Welterweight Title
Main Event 10pm (Approx.)
Lewis Crocker (146.6lbs)
Paddy Donovan (145.7lbs)
12×3 IBF World Welterweight Title
Quotes
Lewis Crocker: “The way things worked out last time, I just feel like the stars have aligned for me this time round. We’re approaching 20,000 fans here in Belfast – who would have dreamt this to actually happen?
“So, for me, Saturday cannot come quick enough. I want to thank everyone behind the scenes who has made this happen. It really is a boyhood dream.
“The last fight was massive, even before the result happened. So, going into this one it’s a great stage for both of us and it’s what you get into Boxing for.
“I just can’t wait to silence all the doubters. I know I am a much better fighter than what I showed last time and on Saturday night, without a doubt, I will show that. I believe, without a doubt, that I knock Paddy Donovan out.”
Paddy Donovan: “It is my time. First of all, I would like to thank Matchroom Boxing and everyone involved for making this fight possible here in Belfast. I’ve worked extremely hard in the gym and I know it is my time. I’m looking fantastic and it comes off the training camp that we had and the things we’ve been working on in the gym.
“My confidence is through the roof and you are going to see on Saturday night just how good I am. Look, Lewis is a good fighter – I’m not going to take that away from him. He does a lot of things well. But he also makes a lot of mistakes. I just think I can capitalise on those mistakes that he makes.
“I think I’m a better puncher, that I have more skill, I’ve got more heart, and I’ve got a better engine. I’m better in every single department than Lewis and I just can’t wait to turn up on him. As Andy said, I don’t care what Lewis can do or going to try. I’ve worked on a lot of new, specific things in the gym and I am looking the best I have ever been. This time round, it has been even a lot better than the last camp. So, my confidence is great and no matter what Lewis Crocker comes out trying to do, or his gameplan, it will be no good to him.
“When I become World Champion, it’s been a great ride and a great journey, from my amateur days to training with Andy [Lee] to 2019 when I made my debut here in Belfast – in fact, this will be my seventh fight here, so I have practically made it my home. I am delighted to be back here. Some of the best fans in the world are right here in Belfast.
“Let it be with me or against me, the arena or the stadium is always rocking. To be back here and fighting for a World Title, it’s dreams come true. Look, I know who is Lewis is. I know the man Lewis is. I know everything about Lewis. I can read him like a book. You are going to see on Saturday night why I am the better fighter. I am going to become World Champion – and I am going to put an end to Lewis Crocker’s career. I am going to stop Lewis Crocker.”
Betting Odds
5/1 Crocker
2/11 Donovan
22/1 Draw
8/11 Donovan by KO/TKO or DQ
8/1 Crocker by KO/TKO or DQ
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