Crocker v Donovan 2 – big-fight predictions

IBF welterweight world title: Lewis Crocker v Paddy Donovan

Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast Date: Saturday, 13 September

Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live and Sports Extra 2, with live text commentary on BBC Sport website and app

Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan are ready to meet again on Saturday at Belfast’s Windsor Park.

Their first fight in March went the way of Belfast’s Crocker by way of disqualification as Donovan was disqualified at the end of the ninth round for punching after the bell, having twice previously been docked points for fouls.

Donovan was ahead on all three cards at the time of his dismissal and distraught as he feared his dreams of fighting for a world title had gone.

However, with IBF welterweight champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis moving up to light-middleweight, the rematch was upgraded from final eliminator to a fight for the vacant world title.

Will Donovan dominate again and get the job done this time, or will Crocker improve and win by more conventional means?

BBC Sport asked the world of boxing for their predictions of how the fight may play out.

“It’s hard to make a strong case for Crocker after the last time. There was a controversial ending but up until that point, Donovan seemed to be in control.

“I do know Crocker is a lot better than that performance but he will have to be on it, although I’m expecting a great fight.”

“It was a controversial first fight. Donovan was the boss, let’s pull no punches about that, but he has to clean up his act. Was he getting so much success because of the dark arts tactics? We’re going to find out.

“They have been in the ring with each other, have spent all camp thinking about each other and we know Crocker’s class too, as he can bang. I’m leaning towards a late Donovan KO but we’ll see.”

“I think Donovan wins. I think it will go to points. Lewis will bring something completely different and be a whole skillset up, but I think style makes fights and stylistically, Paddy wins.”

“Going off the first one, it’s hard to look past Paddy Donovan. But it’s a world title fight and the atmosphere is going to be amazing and Crocker will get better. It will be an exciting one, a great night for Irish boxing and it will be lively.

“There may be a few head clashes against with the southpaw v orthodox and that could end up with a cut either way, but I have to go with Donovan.”

“I can see it being very different than the first one. I can see Crocker being a lot more competitive as I don’t think we saw the real Crocker first time around. That doesn’t take anything away from Paddy as he is unbelievable. I think this is going to be much more exciting.”

“It all depends on Paddy Donovan. For the majority of the fight last time he dictated it from the outside and he is capable of doing it again.

“If Crocker is a little bit smarter on the way in and doesn’t give him much to play off, applies more pressure and doesn’t work until her gets close, then he can have more success.

“The first two or three rounds will be really important and however it plays out, it will run down that path. I just feel Donovan will pick up where he left off, but if Crocker starts quicker, he’s in with a chance.”

“It’s a tough one but I’ve got to stick with Crocker. He’s a friend of mine but I think he can get the job done by whatever way necessary.”

“I see Paddy as the favourite because of the first fight, but I think Crocker is very live and dangerous.”

“The last fight ended so controversially, the clash of styles between [Lewis] Crocker and [Paddy] Donovan is very interesting. I can’t wait for it.”

“I’ve sparred a lot of rounds with Paddy and fought Lewis. I think Lewis will bring a lot more to this fight and will want to right a few wrongs. Paddy looks full of confidence this week, so I think we’re in for a special night.”

“Can you change enough in a short space of time from the last fight? You would have to lean towards Paddy, but that’s not writing Crocker off because he does have that punch power.”

“I think Donovan wins. Crocker will be better, has to be better as he was poor last time. I’ve always worried about Crocker at the weight, so a Donovan stoppage wouldn’t surprise me, but anything but a Donovan win would surprise me and I think he wins on points.”