The expected showdown between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will take place on September 13th in Belfast.
Crocker, from Northern Ireland, and Donovan, from the Republic of Ireland, will compete for the vacant IBF welterweight title at Windsor Park Stadium.
This fight comes after Crocker won a dramatic first encounter, an IBF title eliminator, in Belfast in March.
The fight will be the first world title fight between two Irishmen.
Donovan was controversially disqualified for hitting Crocker after the bell at the end of the eighth round. He had also been deducted points on two occasions for using his elbow and head.
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Donovan was visibly upset after the result, claiming he couldn’t hear the bell amidst the fierce atmosphere of the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Donovan appealed the decision and the IBF ruled that the rematch would be for the full world title after Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vacated the title by moving up to super welterweight.
There’s going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on the day of the fight. I’m looking forward to repeating another stellar boxing performance, making things clear, and returning home with a world title. I can’t wait.
Donovan
This is the fight I’ve wanted since the final bell of the first one. To run it back for the IBF world title, and to do it in such an iconic stadium in Belfast, in front of my own people, is something I’ve dreamed of my whole life.
CrockerCrocker added that it’s an opportunity to leave no doubt about the result of the first fight.
This isn’t just a rematch. It’s my chance to silence the doubters and prove I’m the best welterweight in the world.
