BoxRec

forcefraser wrote: ↑30 Jul 2025, 14:45 Crock a shit got no chance in this one

Your definitely looking and thinking wtf can crocker do different. The first fight was so definitive that if it hadnt of been for the DQ, Crocker wouldnt want to go anywhere near Donovan again.

Maybe he knows this is his only money shot.

West Belfast boxer to return to Palestine after Windsor Park fight to continue coaching: ‘The joy they get is remarkable’

Boxer Tyrone McKenna is planning to return to Palestine, where he has been helping war-torn children learn the sport, after his Windsor Park fight next month.
For three weeks, the 35-year-old fighter traded west Belfast for the West Bank, where he volunteered at the ACLAI Palestine gym, founded by activist Ainle O Caireallain — brother of Kneecap’s Naoise O Caireallain (Móglaí Bap) — in 2020.

He previously visited Ramallah with his father and brother in 2022.

Known as ‘The Mighty Celt’ in the ring, McKenna explained: “As someone who is very passionate about Palestine, and has been there before, I knew what the situation was like, and I knew that I wanted to do more than just talking online about it and going to rallies. I wanted to put action to it.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience, seeing the kids that have been through so much and still come to boxing every single day with a smile on their face.”



The gym is based at the Aida refugee camp, near Bethlehem.

The first night McKenna was there, he said his neighbours were dragged out of their house and arrested at 4am — but that was considered “normal”.

The site, which holds more than 7,000 people, has had no running water for the past two months.

McKenna added: “There are maybe two water taps in the whole camp, on the street, that kids have to go to every morning to fill up water buckets for their families.

“They are not able to leave and go to different cities of their own free will — they have to go through checkpoints. This isn’t the kind of environment for any kid to be growing up in.”

The former world title contender said that while he was in the West Bank, news and videos circulated of two young teenage boys that were shot and killed by the Israeli Defence Forces.

After the shooting, he said that a class was put on for children as young as eight, in the same community centre where the gym at which he volunteered operates.

LEWIS CROCKER: I HAVE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE WRONGS RIGHT IN PADDY DONOVAN REMATCH

Lewis Crocker knows that he will need to produce a career-best performance if he is to beat Paddy Donovan in their upcoming IBF welterweight world title rematch.

Back on March 1, Donovan had established firm control of their intense first meeting and dropped a hurt Crocker towards the end of the eighth round.

As bedlam descended in Belfast's SSE Arena, Donovan continued to punch as the bell to end the round sounded, landing another hard right hook that floored Crocker heavily.

Donovan was subsequently disqualified and a bloodied Crocker was declared the winner by disqualification. A rematch was an inevitability and the stakes have been raised.

On September 13, the pair return to Belfast. This time, around 20,000 fans are expected to fill Windsor Park and the winner will leave as the IBF champion. Despite having his hand raised first time around, Crocker will walk to the ring as a sizeable underdog.

"Did it feel like a victory that night? Absolutely not," Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs) said during Matchroom’s “Make The Days Count” show.

"I took no pride in that whatsoever. It didn't feel like a loss either."

The late, final punch of the night has dominated headlines and conversation ever since it landed but the intense fight was filled with controversy from the start.

The two quickly became embroiled in a rough, close quarters battle. Crocker absorbed plenty of hard punches from the talented Donovan but was also subjected to several fouls and the Limerick man lost two points for use of the head before the contentious ending.

As controversy raged in the corridors of the SSE Arena, Crocker sat in the medical room where he received 22 stitches after a series of head clashes and stray elbows.

Given time to think, he decided almost immediately that there had to be a rematch.

"I would always dwell on that night if I didn't run it back with Paddy so it was important that it had to be made," he said.

"Honestly, hand on heart, it was the first call that I made to my manager next day to get that fight made.

"I have another opportunity here to make the wrongs right this time. If I'm to win this fight, I have to put on a performance of my life."

Before the first fight, both men had questions to answer regarding their ability to succeed at the highest level and opinions were split on who would prevail.

Officially, Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) now has a loss on his record but the 26-year-old produced an eye-opening display showing some previously unseen parts of his game. While proving to be the better boxer, he also matched Crocker for strength and toughness.

Crocker never quite found his range or timing but, worryingly for the Belfast man, the clubbing, heavy shots that he did land seemed to have little effect on Donovan.

Only he and Donovan know exactly what went on between the ropes but Crocker seems aware that he needs to produce an entirely different performance if he is to turn things around and become the IBF champion on September 13.

"Every man who I fight, you always want to take their head off. When me and him are in there that night, there'll be no love whatsoever," he said.

"If he’s preparing for the same guy who he fought in March he'll be in for the shock of his life."

Anyone else heard the rumours re Crocker allegedly failing a test before the fight ?

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑07 Sep 2025, 14:56 Anyone else heard the rumours re Crocker allegedly failing a test before the fight ?

No way. Was looking forward to this

forcefraser wrote: ↑07 Sep 2025, 15:13

SeanBrennan wrote: ↑07 Sep 2025, 14:56 Anyone else heard the rumours re Crocker allegedly failing a test before the fight ?

No way. Was looking forward to this

I mean the first one it was alleged he tested positive for cocaine I don’t think the rematch is in doubt

Fight week!!

Fight Week Schedule

Wednesday, September 10: Public Workouts

Venue: Victoria Square Shopping Centre
Address: 1 Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG
Timings: Media arrivals from 3.30pm; Workout starts at 4pm

Media interviews are available with selected fighters. Workout timings as follows:

16:20 – Ruadhan Farrell
16:25 – Matthew Boreland
16:30 – Molly McCann
16:40 – Pat Brown
16:50 – Dylan Moran
17:00 – Tyrone McKenna
17:10 – Caoimhín Agyarko
17:20 – Ishmael Davis
17:30 – Paddy Donovan
17:40 – Lewis Crocker

Thursday, September 11: Press Conference

Venue: The ICC, Studio
Address: 2 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3WH
Timings: Media arrivals from 12pm; Press Conference starts at 1pm

Media interviews are available with selected fighters. Kindly note that one-on-one interviews with the Promoter are not guaranteed for all media – and Matchroom Boxing does not operate a ‘queue’ system.

Friday, September 12: Weigh-In

Venue: The ICC, Studio
Address: 2 Lanyon Pl, Belfast BT1 3WH
Timings: Media arrivals from 5pm; Fighters on the scales from 6pm

Saturday, September 13: Fight Day

‘I know I’ll be better,’ promises Lewis Crocker ahead of Paddy Donovan rematch

Lewis Crocker knows more is required if he is to spring an upset and defeat Paddy Donovan on Saturday.
The two Irishmen will meet in the first-ever all-Ireland world title fight at Windsor Park hot on the heels of their controversial clash earlier in the year.

Limerick’s Donovan, ahead on points, was disqualified for nailing Crocker after the bell, and the fight was stopped.

Belfast’s Crocker could not get a foothold in the fight, and now they meet for the IBF welterweight title vacated by Jaron “Boots” Ennis.

“It was the worst that I fought and just happened to be on the biggest occasion,” Crocker admitted. “So a lot of changes have to be made and I need to be a much better fighter next time around and that’s what I plan on being.”
Crocker admitted he did not anticipate the Andy Lee-trained Donovan to box as he did last time out.

“It’s a hard one because styles make fights, so it was good that we shared them rounds anyway and banked [them],” Crocker said. “We know what each other’s about now as well. “Well, I know I’ll be better. Paddy was a good fighter on the night, so I know what to prepare for.

“Sharing the rounds with Paddy obviously helps me going into the next fight. I've shared eight rounds there, so it’s all experience for the 13th of September. I always said Paddy was a great fighter. I’ll have to be on my A-star game to perform and beat this guy, and that’s what I plan on doing.”
The occasion on March 1 was incredible, and the crowd was so deafening that few were able to hear the bell after which Donovan landed the illegal shot. That was at the SSE Arena, and now they box in a stadium.

“The crowd was amazing last time,” Crocker added. “It always is in Belfast. Now we're talking Windsor Park. I think it’s around 20,000. It’ll be insane. It’ll be a memorable night for sure. So, I’ll feed off the crowd; the crowd’s energy. Everything about it's going to be amazing, and that’s what I’m looking very forward to.”

ISHMAEL DAVIS, CAOIMHIN AGYARKO WALK DIFFERENT PATHS TO CROSSROADS SHOWDOWN

Ishmael Davis and Caoimhin Agyarko come from opposite ends of the boxing spectrum but the junior middleweight contenders may have found each other at exactly the right moment.

Davis and Agyarko need each other. On Saturday night, they will meet over 12 rounds that will have a significant impact on the course of both men's careers.

DAZN will broadcast the action from Windsor Park in Belfast, headlined by the vacant IBF welterweight title fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.

In terms of personality, approach and background, the pair couldn’t be more different.

Agyarko (17-0, 7 KOs) turned professional after a long, successful amateur career. He won a national title and represented Ireland on the international circuit.

Since then the 28-year-old has flitted between promoters and broadcasters but never quite been able to translate his undoubted talent into a really meaningful win. Eight years into his career, a split decision win over Troy Williamson remains his most significant victory.

Davis (13-2, 6 KOs) had to take an entirely different approach. Apart from a single amateur fight when he was 11-years-old, Davis learned his trade in the gym and small halls, needing to snatch at any opportunity coming his way, no matter how unlikely or difficult.

In September 2024, Davis was handed the chance to step in on less than a week's notice and fight Josh Kelly on the undercard of Daniel Dubois' IBF heavyweight title defence against Anthony Joshua.

Although he lost a majority decision, a decent showing earned him another late notice shot at The Ring's No. 6-ranked junior middleweight, Serhii Bohachuk. Davis found the Ukrainian a much stiffer proposition and was retired in his corner after six difficult rounds.

If Agyarko has spent his professional career trying different doors, Davis has had to kick them down and deal with what he found behind them.

"He talks about himself in the third person," Davis told The Ring as he detailed the differences between he and Agyarko.

"If you look at that, you can see that in his own head he holds himself up very highly so he's thinking, "Nah, I'm not doing that, I'm doing this. I want to do this. This is how everything is supposed to go and if it doesn't go like this, I don't want nothing to do with it."

"That's not how I look at life, because life's not like that. Even if it wasn't boxing, nothing goes exactly how you want it to go.

"Sometimes you have to manoeuvre through life. If something comes, I'm going to give it my all and hopefully, I get through that door and then I keep going. As time goes on, you're just building."

A teenage Davis would never have been able to imagine the path his life would eventually take. He became a father to twin boys when he was just 14 and the search for money led him to the streets of Leeds where he became deeply engrained in gang life.

His teenage years were spent on the roads and ended in a jail cell.

Davis may have lost to Kelly and Bohachuk but earned respect while being well compensated for his efforts.

For the first time in his life, he found himself with the time and means to sit back, relax and plan his next move.

Rather than resting on his success or waiting for the next opportunity to find him, Davis reinvested his money into himself. He recently returned from a two-month long trip to America.

Davis spent time with Guillermo Rigondeaux and Keyshawn Davis. He trained in front of Brian 'Bo-Mac' McIntyre and Sugar Hill Steward. He sparred Blair Cobbs, Troy Isley and Vladimir Shishkin.

His slick, relaxed style proved popular but seeing how top level talent operates opened his eyes to just what might be possible.

"Yeah, I just went by myself, man. I just got away for two months and met some good guys," Davis said.

"You know what it is? Everyone sees someone on the internet but then when you meet them, you just realise that everyone's just a normal human being and we're all the same. We're just chasing different dreams."M

I was surprised how little impression Crocker could make in the first fight....failing a seismic improvement from Lewis, he looks set for more of the same in the rematch. Hope Crocker proves me wrong.

How do these two do against Benn ?

Eddie was mooting the possibility of the winner of this fighting Benn for a world title.

CaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑09 Sep 2025, 17:04 How do these two do against Benn ?

Eddie was mooting the possibility of the winner of this fighting Benn for a world title.

Surely Benn shouldn’t even be ranked at WW with any org. When did he last compete at WW?

Ruthless-RKO wrote: ↑09 Sep 2025, 17:20

CaptainSpacerod wrote: ↑09 Sep 2025, 17:04 How do these two do against Benn ?

Eddie was mooting the possibility of the winner of this fighting Benn for a world title.

Surely Benn shouldn’t even be ranked at WW with any org. When did he last compete at WW?

Agreed but slimeball Sulaiman and the wbc supported him during his drugs disgrace on the basis that he thought Nigel was a decent chap so Conor must be too. Wouldn’t put it past them to manoeuvre him into a title shot if the Eubank fight falls through.

first all-Irish world title fight in history.

Lewis Crocker: Paddy Donovan rematch is the fight I needed, the pressure is off

Belfast’s Lewis Crocker is preparing to thrive in his underdog role ahead of his rematch with Paddy Donovan this week.

The two run back their controversial March fight on Saturday at Windsor Park before an expected crowd of 20,000 fans in the first all-Irish world title fight.

It’s a big deal now, and it was earlier in the year at the Odyssey when Donovan levelled Crocker with a punch after the bell that caused the Limerick man to be disqualified.

Up until then, the fight was all Donovan, but Crocker says the pressure is now off him because a Donovan win is anticipated.

Crocker said he is entering the fight with confidence.

“Yeah, for sure,” said the 21-0 (11 KOs) “Croc”.

“I’m the big underdog here. So, I’m more confident this time around than I was last time around. It’s one I’m thriving off, and everything about the next [fight] is going to go my way. “I know that.”

Crocker said the last fight was the worst performance of his career, but the 28-year-old is now focused only on what lies ahead on Saturday and not what transpired on March 1.

“When I look back at that now, I’m a week away from the fight [the rematch], so, that’s way behind me. I don’t know what happened. My vision [with his eyes closing], towards the end, that was the main thing [he was thinking about], you know? Like, I was more focused on trying not to get hit because I couldn’t see, but as I say, things will be different on the 13th.”

Although Donovan pursued a rematch via the IBF – they will fight for the vacant IBF welterweight title that Jaron Ennis surrendered – Donovan praised Crocker for his willingness to fight him again. Despite the controversial climax of their first fight, there is no grudge between the two. If anything, there is a healthy dose of mutual respect.

“Yeah, for sure. Like, I was, like, the first on the phone to Jamie Conlan the next day, my manager, and I says, ‘Get the rematch made.’ Like, that’s the fight I needed, there’s no other fight that I want; and I think we both deserve the rematch. So, obviously, we’ve shared the ring together, and I’ve always said he's probably a great fighter. So, obviously, there’s mutual respect there, but we’ll be going for it on the 13th.”

In the aftermath of the last bout, Crocker vacationed in Thailand, but he said he did not dwell on his performance, the outcome, and he paid little mind to the appeal as Team Donovan petitioned the IBF.

“A couple of days [after], and I was fighting [training] again, you know, like. It’s not like anyone died, you know what I mean? It’s like, life goes on. Like, why dwell on that? As much as, were giving me, like, bad shit, on Instagram and stuff, or, like, social media, I was just like, ‘I don’t care about your opinion right now.’ Do you know what I mean? Boxing’s a hard sport. It’s me who’s doing all this, so I knew the rematch would be made anyway. Here we are, so, everything was irrelevant. Like, why dwell on the past?”

Donovan had been distraught by losing his unbeaten record and was in floods of tears after being disqualified.
Did Crocker feel bad for him?

“No, I had no sympathy,” he said.

Paddy Donovan holds no grudges towards referee ahead of Crocker rematch

The tale of the first encounter between Paddy Donovan and Lewis Crocker was filled with controversy.

The battle of Ireland had a lot on the line, with a shot at the IBF welterweight awaiting the winner. Tensions were high, it was North versus South, and those who have visited Ireland will know exactly what that means.

There was a fiery atmosphere at Belfast’s SSE Arena back in March when Donovan first took on Crocker. The noise was deafening, and things started to heat up when the home crowd’s man Crocker started to get taken apart by Donovan.

Limerick’s Donovan wasn’t fazed by the fiery Belfast crowd and started to increase the beating he put down on Crocker but was warned consistently about the use of his head. He was deducted points by the referee Marcus McDonnell for headbutting Crocker in Round 6 and deducted a further point in Round 8 for an elbow.

Crocker was in a bad way in the eighth. One of his eyes was severely damaged and he had been down late in the round. As the session was about to end Donovan came in for the kill, the bell sounded to signal the end of the round, but Donovan threw a hook a couple seconds later, which floored Crocker.

McDonnell had seen enough and disqualified Donovan for his actions.

Now with the rematch set back in Belfast this Saturday - but this time at the much bigger Windsor Park - Donovan was asked by BS if he needs to be careful about the use of his head again.

“If Lewis holds his head back, it might not happen,” Donovan replied. “But look, it is what it is. It's a fight, it's not like we're going to church holding hands, this is a combat sport, it's war. You know, we put our lives on the line, nothing's intentional, obviously the head clashes happen in the fight.

“But, Marcus McDonnell made a bigger job than he should have out of the head clashes, I think. They're all accidental but yeah, look, it is what it is, set it up for a bigger fight and a bigger night, so yeah, bring it on.”

After the contest, Donovan and his trainer Andy Lee were very vocal about their frustration and anger towards referee McDonnell’s decision.

So, six months later, what are Donovan’s feelings towards McDonnell and his decision?

“Look, I forgive Marcus McDonnell, mistakes can happen,” Donovan said. “We're human, we can make mistakes, we just move on, that's it. Marcus McDonnell is probably a very, very good person, just made a mistake, he made a mistake on the night, I'm not going to hold no begrudges or any badness towards any person.

“A lot of people say because he backed Lewis, he was English or whatever, I don't believe any of that nonsense. He just thought he did what was right, but I honestly don't think he was right, and a lot of people thought the same thing. But I've got no begrudges against anybody and we just move forward, that's life, just keep going.”

Without McDonnell’s decision to disqualify Donovan, that some say was correct, some don’t, but without it the fight would not be the must watch attraction it is now.

“Yeah, look, it's panned out perfectly, if you said to me a few days after the fight, ‘Paddy, you’re fighting Lewis Crocker in Belfast for the vacant IBF world championship, would you take that?’ I'd snap your hands off,” said Donovan. “So yeah, look, we're here and I feel like this is my time.

“I've worked very, very hard. I've suffered and I've enjoyed some great times as a boxer, but I think this is my hour to become world champion.”

Hope The Croc makes a fight of it this time around, was so one sided last time.

Donovan looks mentally so ready for this. Crocker I’m less sure of

Paddy Donovan says he will end Lewis Crocker’s career on Saturday night

Irish stars Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan both promised victory ahead of their rematch on Saturday.

They meet at Windsor Park for the vacant IBF welterweight title, with Crocker coming off victory via disqualification last time out.

Donovan, 14-1 (11 KOs), was well ahead on the scorecards, at the Odyssey Arena in March, but lost after striking Crocker after the bell to end the eighth round.

“The last fight was massive, even before the result, going into this one it’s the highest stage for both of us. It’s what you get into boxing for,” said Belfast’s 21-0 (11 KOs) Crocker.

“I know I’m a much better fighter than I showed last time and I’ll show that on Saturday night… I believe I knock Paddy Donovan out. Without a doubt.”

“It is my time,” countered Limerick’s Donovan. “My confidence is through the roof. Lewis is a good fighter; I’m not going to take that away from him. He does a lot of things good, but he makes a lot of mistakes and I’m going to take advantage of them… I’m looking the best I’ve ever been, even better than the last time. No matter what he tries to do or his gameplan, it doesn’t matter… I know the way Lewis is, I know the man he is, and I’m going to end Crocker’s career on Saturday night.”

Crocker’s coach, Scotland’s Billy Nelson, alluded to problems last time out said: “We’ve had a fantastic camp in Glasgow and Dubai and he’s exuding confidence. I hope to God he’s 100 per cent this time… We’re super-confident for Saturday night.”

In the other corner, Andy Lee said he was unbothered by whatever Crocker might try to do differently.

“We’ve prepared for every outcome and every style,” said Lee. “The history of boxing tells you a fighter can’t really change that much. To me, it’s more about Paddy’s development as a fighter… he oozes the aura of a world champion. Paddy has that thing. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know they have it.”

Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “These are the kind of nights that we live for.”