Vacant IBF title up for grabs in Crocker vs. Donovan II
Vacant IBF title up for grabs in Crocker vs. Donovan II
Source: DAZN
24/07/2025
Source: DAZN
24/07/2025
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will meet in a highly anticipated rematch on September 13th at Belfast's Windsor Park, as the pair battle for the vacant IBF welterweight title. The duo originally met at the SSE Arena in March in an eliminator bout, with Crocker victorious in controversial circumstances after Dononvan was disqualified in the eighth round. Now however, with ex-champion Jaron 'Boots' Ennis moving up a division, the duo will square off for a history-making full title bout at Northern Ireland's national football stadium. The bout, promoted by Matchroom, marks the first time two boxers from the island of Ireland have met in a world title fight, and will be available to watch globally on DAZN.
Crocker handed Donovan his first professional defeat when they faced off earlier this year, but only after the latter had been cited for multiple infringements by the officials. After he subsequently landed a punch following the bell, referee Marcus McDonnell deemed it one illegal move too many and disqualified the star from the contest.
Crocker had been expected to challenge Ennis next despite demands for a rematch from Donovan's camp, raising questions over what the future held for both men. However, the American's decision to move up to junior middleweight in pursuit of titles there opened the door for the two men to meet again, this time with higher stakes.