The talking is finally over. Bitter rivals Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan exchanged their final verbal blows before they collide at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, in what is set to be the first all-Irish world title fight in boxing history.
The pair have unfinished business to settle as their first clash ended inconclusively after Ireland’s Paddy Donovan was disqualified for hitting after the bell.
Northern Ireland’s Lewis Crocker was cut and bloodied over both eyes and found himself heading to defeat in the eighth round of their March 2025 fight, but for a bizarre turn of events that saved his unbeaten record.
The raucous crowd in the SSE Arena that night in Belfast made it impossible for ‘The ‘Real Deal’ to hear the bell sound as he sent ‘The Croc’ crashing to the canvas believing to have won the fight until his celebrations were cut short by referee Marcus McDonnell as he explained to the devastated fighter that he was disqualifying him.
After reviewing the footage and hearing the appeals, the IBF allowed the rivals to run it back, this time with Jaron Ennis’ former title on the line, which makes history as the first world title fight to feature two Irishmen.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn is expecting an “electric night” with a crowd of almost 20,000 set for a memorable evening in Belfast, broadcast live on DAZN.
Here’s everything the main event fighters had to say before they weigh-in on Friday, September 12:
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.”
Billy Nelson (Crocker’s trainer):
“Lewis has had a fantastic camp both in Glasgow and in Dubai. He’s exuding confidence and we’re ready to go on Saturday night. I just hope to God that he’s at 100% on the night, unlike the last night. We were very confident going into the first fight and it never quite worked out. But we are super confident this time for Saturday night.”
Andy Lee (Donovan’s trainer):
“We are prepared for every outcome and for every time. The history of Boxing tells you that a fighter can’t really change that much. Paddy is well prepared for everything that anyone could bring. And, for me, it’s more about Paddy’s development as a fighter, not so much about the opponent – it’s about how my fighter is prepared and how he is looking. And when I look at Paddy in the ring, he just oozes the aura of a World Champion. I see it.
“When I look at great fighters over history, and when I look at him in person, Paddy has that thing. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know its a World Champion. I’d like to say thank you to Matchroom Boxing – to you, Eddie [Hearn] and Frank [Smith] – for putting this event on.
“And thank you to Lewis [Crocker] for taking this fight, and to Keith Sutherland, my co-manager for Paddy, who worked tremendously in getting this rematch mandated. Don’t forget, that is why we are here: because it was ordered and Keith did a fantastic job. Thank you to the people of Belfast. We’re in for a great night – and you are looking at the new World Champion, here to my right [pointing towards Paddy Donovan].”
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