Historic Irish Clash: Crocker vs Donovan II Set for IBF Welterweight Crown in Belfast

Historic Stakes in Irish Boxing Rivalry

The long-awaited rematch between Belfast's Lewis Crocker (19-0, 11 KOs) and Limerick's Paddy Donovan (14-1, 10 KOs) has been elevated to world championship status, with the vacant IBF welterweight title now at stake. This marks the first time in boxing history that two fighters from Ireland will compete for a world championship belt.

Championship Context

Vacant Title: The 147lb strap became available after Jaron 'Boots' Ennis moved up to light-middleweight
Venue Plans: Negotiations ongoing for September 13 showdown at Windsor Park (capacity 18,500)
Historical Significance: First world title fight between two Irish-born boxers since modern championship era began

Controversial First Meeting Recap

March 1 bout ended with Donovan's 8th-round DQ for post-bell punching
Crocker's controversial win sparked immediate rematch demands
IBF ordered direct rematch after reviewing appeal

Promoter's Perspective

Matchroom CEO Frank Smith told BBC Sport NI:

"This isn't just a local rivalry - we're making history. The energy at Windsor Park could rival Joshua-Klitschko at Wembley. Both fighters have matured since March and the title stakes add explosive motivation."

Fighter Profiles

Boxer	Age	Record	Last 5 Results	KO Ratio
Lewis Crocker	27	19-0	W-W-W-W-W	58%
Paddy Donovan	25	14-1	W-W-W-W-L*	71%

*Loss via disqualification

Event Timeline

Sept 13 - Targeted fight date
Aug 15 - Expected press conference in Dublin
July 20 - Ticket pre-sale begins
June 30 - Final medical clearances

This championship rematch promises to be Ireland's biggest boxing event since Katie Taylor's homecoming, with both warriors vowing to settle their rivalry definitively under the bright lights of world championship boxing.