The expected showdown between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will take place on September 13 in Belfast.
Crocker, originally 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’s victory in his first bout, an eliminator for the IBF title, which took place in Belfast in March.
This will be the first world title fight between two Irish boxers.
Donovan was controversially disqualified for hitting Crocker after the bell at the end of the eighth round. In addition, he was 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 due to the ferocious atmosphere at the SSE Arena in Belfast.
Donovan appealed the decision and the IBF determined that the rematch would be for the full world title, after Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vacated the title by moving up to the super welterweight category.
There’s going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on the day of the fight. I’m looking forward to repeating another outstanding boxing performance, making things clear, and returning home with a world title. I can’t wait.
Donovan
Crocker claims this is his chance to leave the result of the first fight beyond all doubt.
This is the fight I’ve wanted since the final bell of the first one. To fight again 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 all my life.
Crocker
“This isn’t just a rematch. It’s my chance to silence the doubters and prove I’m the best welterweight in the world.”
