‘Days Like This’ is now just days away. The countdown to next weekend’s historic, all-Irish World Title clash in front of a sold-out stadium is officially on.
Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan collide in blockbuster rematch this coming Saturday, September 13, at Belfast’s Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor with the vacant IBF World Welterweight Championship on the line – live worldwide on DAZN.
Crocker was victorious last time out, albeit in somewhat controversial circumstances when Donovan was denied by a disqualification.
For Crocker, who has spent the past several weeks in camp in Dubai with his trainer Billy Nelson, it was a hollow triumph – and one he is determined to put right in his mind when he headlines in front of what promises to be a buoyant, home crowd with the greatest prize of his career at stake just a stone’s throw from where he grew up.
“The first fight didn’t feel like a victory,” said Crocker.
“I’m focused on me, all the pressure is on him because I can only be better. If Paddy has prepared for the same man he fought in March, he’ll be in for the shock of his life.
“I’m fighting for a World Title at Windsor Park. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.”
Donovan, however, is confident that he will ruin Crocker’s dream and deliver upon his own when he crosses the border from his native Limerick.
Having worked hard under the expert tutelage of his trainer Andy Lee, Donovan believes he is in even better shape going into the rematch – and he is under no illusions on what he feels will be the eventual outcome.
“It’s my time,” said Donovan.
“I want to meet the best Lewis Crocker on September 13, no excuses.
“This fight has everything: two Irish fighters for the World Title in Belfast, it’s what dreams are made of.”
