Boxing

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan Rematch Ordered By The IBF Following Controversial First Fight In Belfast

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Paul Kelly
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Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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Sports Editor

Published28 Mar 2025

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Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan - Boxing

Following their controversial fight on March 1st in Belfast, an immediate Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan rematch has been ordered by the IBF in another final eliminator for the World Welterweight Title.

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan Rematch Ordered By IBF

After the controversial ending of their first fight on March 1st in Belfast, an immediate Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan rematch has been ordered by the IBF.

The rematch will once again be a final eliminator for the IBF World Welterweight Title, which is currently held by Jaron Ennis. However, Ennis is likely to move up to 154-pounds after his next fight, meaning the Crocker vs Donovan rematch could perhaps even be for the full world title this summer.

The first fight in Belfast on March 1st was one the best boxing betting sites in the UK saw as a real 50/50. However, on the night it didn’t play out that way as it was clear that Paddy Donovan was in the ascendancy and controlling the fight.

However, after two points deductions, and illegal elbow to face and a punch after the bell, Donovan was disqualified by referee Marcus McDonnell. This means that despite being second best in the majority of the fight, Lewis Crocker was deemed the winner with a Round 8 disqualification victory.

Ever since the fight there has been talk of a rematch. Eddie Hearn was quick to talk of a rematch, with Paddy Donovan and his coach Andy Lee also wanting an immediate rematch.

Team Crocker seemed less keen on a rematch, but have admitted they will take the second fight no problem. Crocker’s coach Billy Nelson believes his man won fair and square, and that Donovan only has himself to blame for breaking the rules on multiple occasions.

If a rematch does get officially signed and made, the best UK online bookmakers will undoubtedly make Paddy Donovan a bigger favourite this time given how well he performed in the first fight prior to being disqualified.

Crocker vs Donovan Rematch Targeted For Summer Showdown

Although the Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan rematch still needs to be officially made, there has already been talk of a potential summer showdown for their second fight.

Belfast will once again be the likely destination for Crocker vs Donovan 2, with the IBF ordering an immediate rematch next. For the first fight it sold out Belfast’s biggest indoor arena at the SSE Arena, with over 8,000 tickets sold.

A rematch would undoubtedly do even more tickets, with a stadium fight perhaps an options for the IBF ordered immediate rematch.

Northern Irish boxing legend Carl Frampton fought at Windsor Park back in 2018, which is Belfast’s biggest stadium. A certain Tyson Fury was on the undercard that night, in what was a great night of boxing in Belfast.

Windsor Park could once again be the destination for a blockbuster boxing show this summer, perhaps in June or July.

Belfast is Lewis Crocker’s hometown, with Paddy Donovan being an Irish traveller from Limerick. Their IBF ordered immediate rematch could perhaps sell out Windsor Park on what would be another monumental night for Irish boxing.

Time will tell what happens with the proposed Crocker vs Donovan rematch. One this is for sure, ‘The Real Deal’ would be heavily favoured by the best sports betting apps to beat ‘The Croc’ fair and square this time.

Be sure to claim the various boxing betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan 2.

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Author photo
Paul Kelly
Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

Get to know Paul Kelly better
Author photo
Paul Kelly Sports Editor

Having worked in the sports journalism and sports betting writing industry for several years now, Paul has gained vital skill, knowledge and expertise in a variety of different sports and industries. Paul is confident and competent at writing in-depth stories, features and betting predictions on a regular basis for SportsCasting. Having worked in the sports media industry ever since graduating from Liverpool John Moores University in 2020, where he attained a First Class Honours Degree in Sports Journalism, Paul has jumped at the opportunity to attend numerous live sporting events on a regular basis. This includes working at some high calibre boxing, darts, UFC and football events over the years. Paul has covered a whole host of sports for BBC Sport, as well as being a consistent and regular contributor at ESBR Boxing for several years before becoming a Director in March 2024. Paul’s expertise lies in a wide range of sports, but he is particularly specialised in boxing, MMA, golf, football, darts and horse racing. He is also well-rounded in various sports which he may be less familiar with. Working in sports he is less familiar with helps him learn new skills, as well as nurturing the ability to adapt and overcome potential obstacles. Being a sports fanatic, Paul relishes the opportunity at taking on new challenges and is happy to try his hand at anything. During his time studying at university, Paul had the opportunity to gain some vital work experience at both Everton Football Club and BBC Radio 1. This has helped Paul master his knowledge of sports writing, as well as learning new skills with competence and proficiency.

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