Lewis Crocker won the IBF world welterweight title by defeating Paddy Donovan in a split decision in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this Saturday.
Two judges favored Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) with scores of 114-112 and 114-113, while the third judge saw Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) win by 115-111.
Unlike their first encounter, which was a match full of action and controversy, the rematch at Windsor Park was more strategic, with Crocker prevailing thanks to two knockdowns.
Donovan showed greater activity in the first two rounds, looking comfortable in the third until Crocker connected a left hook that sent him to the canvas for the first time.
Donovan, who got up quickly, kept his composure before both exchanged hard blows in the fourth round, igniting the fight.
In the fifth round, Crocker again chose the perfect moment to connect another left hook, knocking Donovan down for the second time.
Crocker boxed intelligently, keeping a more active Donovan at bay and doing enough to secure the title.
In this highly anticipated rematch, which awarded the IBF welterweight title, after Jaron “Boots” Ennis vacated the belt to move up a division, around 20,000 fans gathered at Windsor Park to witness the first world title fight between Irishmen.
Donovan was disqualified in the first fight for hitting Crocker after the bell at the end of the eighth round.
This time, there was no interruption, and Crocker, who lives a few minutes from the stadium, took the victory.
