Lewis Crocker made history and was crowned the new IBF World Welterweight Champion after edging a nail-biting rematch with Paddy Donovan at a packed Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
The atmosphere was electric and Crocker slumped to his knees in an emotional and emphatic celebration when it was announced that the Belfast native had won the all-Irish World Title clash with a split decision, 114-112, 114-113, 111-115.
Crocker dropped Donovan twice – with the first knockdown putting the fans on their feet, before the bell came at the right time to steady Donovan after the second time late in the fifth.
Donovan, who was controversially disqualified in defeat during the pair’s first encounter, did well to rally and the bout was closely contested in a frantic finish.
But Crocker– who considered himself as the underdog in the eyes of many going into the fight – had ultimately done enough to beat the silky Southpaw and sent the majority crowd in raptures when he realised a boyhood dream of landing his first ever World Title.
Speaking afterwards, Crocker called out Conor Benn, and dedicated his victory to his parents.
“A lot of people gave my stick after the first fight (against Paddy Donovan),” he said.
“Well tomorrow, when you do your wee post make sure you write: Lewis Crocker World f****** Champion.
“This belt belongs to my parents. They got me to where I am today. This belt belongs to them as much as me. I owe them everything and I am so grateful.
“A great fight in my opinion for fans in the UK, would be myself and Conor Benn. Let’s make that happen!”
Caoimhin Agyarko, meanwhile, preserved his unbeaten record with a thrilling, split decision victory over Ishmael Davis. Two judges tilted the scores in the Irish fighter’s favour with the cards 114-113, 114-13, 112-115.
Both men put it all on the line in a breathtaking battle. Agyarko, whose eye was closed up after the end of brutal war, was furious after he was dropped by Davis in the 12th and final round as he protested that he had slipped.
But it mattered not in the end, as Agyarko had his hand raised in triumph much to the delight of the home faithful watching on. He posted a short message afterwards on X, that read: “Doubt me now”.
Tyrone McKenna produced a brilliant performance as he dominated Dylan Moran in a bout that lived up to all the pre-fight hype. In what a pulsating contest, McKenna celebrated deep in the seventh after he had rocked his rival to force the referee to step in and wave it off.
Cruiserweight sensation Pat Brown brushed off what appeared to be a debatable, premature intervention from the referee, when he stopped Austin Nnmadi to extend his flawless winning record to 4-0, all by the way of knockout.
Brown said in his post-fight interview with Jamie Ward: “I’ve got full respect for my opponent. He’s a dangerous man.
“He was moaning a bit afterwards but that was only ever goinbg one way. I respect him massively but I wasn’t troubled at all. I wanted to show my boxing skills this time. But when I let my right hand go for the first time in the second round, it dropped him. When I put him down, Jamie [Moore] and Nigel [Travis] told me to chill out because I wanted to get the rounds in. So I went back on the jab, and it just went from there.
“I enjoyed it tonight. In terms of nerves, it’s probably the most nervous I’ve been so far because I was fighting in a stadium. All I had to do was stick to the gameplan, and that’s what I did.”
Molly McCann is up and running in Boxing – but she was momentarily given a taste of her former life in MMA when opponent Kate Rodomska sensationally kicked her.
McCann was in full flow in the second round before Rodomska remarkably raised her foot in defence, with the referee failing to see it. The Liverpudlian powered through and was eventually rewarded with a sixth round stoppage to cap an impressive debut display.
Speaking afterwards, McCann said: “It’s been a brilliant week. I’ve had fun with a lot of valuable learning lessons. I have taken advice from the big man [promoter Eddie Hearn].
“There was a bit of pressure on me. I’ve got 18 months beforehand without a win. But after every round I started to relax and sit down. I hurt her a few times in there and it’s just getting used to being a pro. I even took a little kick in there! I thought you ‘cheeky…’. But I’m here to honour the Queensberry Rules becuase I left [MMA] a few months ago.
“I was close to getting the stoppage earlier but I was very happy and I am grateful to Eddie – thanks mate. I want to get out again as quick as possible to keep me learning and keep me in the gym.”
In the prelims, Jim Donovan opened his account with a winning professional debut on points against Lucas Barabasz. Fellow debutant Kyle Smith was successful too as he defeated Connor Meanwell, also on points.
Aaron Bowen was in devastating form with a second round stoppage as he first dropped Carlos Miguel Ronner with a bruising body shot before flooring his opponent shortly after he returned to his feet. Caine Singh celebrated a points upset as he defeated Donagh Keary.
And Matthew Boreland brought home the Irish Super Bantamweight Title after Ruadhan Farrell’s team threw in the towel after a punishing sixth round.
