Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan prepare for all-Irish IBF welterweight rematch
Lewis Watson 
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will go head-to-head again on Saturday in a rematch of March's controversial IBF welterweight fight.
Donovan will be heavy favourite with sports betting sites for revenge after he was denied by the referee, but Crocker has promised a tougher performance.
Free Bets boxing expert Lewis Watson has had a closer look a the fight which will see the winner crowned IBF welterweight champion.
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan are set to run it back in Belfast this Saturday, September 13th, in a blockbuster rematch with the vacant IBF welterweight crown hanging in the balance. The Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park will host an all-Irish showdown, broadcast live on DAZN.
Their first meeting ended in controversy — Donovan disqualified after a night of brilliance unravelled with costly lapses in discipline. Crocker had his hand raised, but it was a hollow triumph, one that demanded closure.
Now, with the sport’s richest prize on the line, Crocker has sharpened his steel in Dubai alongside trainer Billy Nelson. For the Belfast man, this is more than a world title tilt; it’s a homecoming on the grandest stage.
"The first fight didn’t feel like a victory," Crocker admitted. "I can only be better. If Paddy’s preparing for the same man he fought in March, he’ll be in for the shock of his life. Fighting for a world title at Windsor Park… it gives me goosebumps just thinking about it."
"I definitely feel disrespected, but it's all good. I've never been in this position before so I feel like I'll surprise a lot of people on the night. To beat Paddy, I have to be better in every aspect. Paddy would be the best fighter I've fought. I'll need the performance of my life."
But Donovan arrives from Limerick brimming with belief. Under the guidance of trainer Andy Lee, the 25-year-old southpaw insists he’s in even finer shape this time and is ready to flip the script.
"It’s my time," Donovan declared. "I want the best Lewis Crocker on September 13 — no excuses. Two Irish fighters, a world title, in Belfast… it’s what dreams are made of."
"It's not easy to get the [first] fight out of your head. It's not really the fight, it's the aftermath... coming out of the ring, the emotions setting in and seeing different reactions from the crowd.
"This part of my journey doesn't really happen to many fighters. You either win fair or you lose fair. You either win, get knocked out or knock out somebody and you just move on. It was like I won the fight but didn't get the result. That's the way I felt deep down."
The ingredients are all there: a rivalry born in controversy, national pride at stake, and a glittering belt to crown the victor. This time, no one wants a hollow ending.
