Crocker will battle against Donovan for the IBF title
In a landmark moment for Irish boxing, Matchroom Boxing has confirmed that Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan will clash in a rematch for the vacant IBF Welterweight World Title at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park, Belfast, on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Billed as the first-ever all-Irish world title fight, the highly anticipated bout will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN, promising an electric atmosphere at the 18,500-capacity home of the Northern Ireland football team.
The announcement, made on July 24, follows a controversial first encounter between the two welterweight rivals on March 1, 2025, at Belfast’s SSE Arena.
Limerick’s Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs), nicknamed ‘The Real Deal,’ dominated much of the fight, leading on all three judges’ scorecards and scoring a knockdown.
However, after being deducted points for using his head and elbow, Donovan was disqualified in the eighth round for landing a punch after the bell, handing Belfast’s Lewis Crocker (21-0, 13 KOs) a contentious victory.
Donovan’s team successfully appealed to the IBF, securing a rematch initially set as a title eliminator.
With former champion Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis vacating the IBF welterweight belt to move up to light-middleweight, the stakes have now been elevated to a world title showdown.
“This is absolutely huge – the first-ever all-Irish World Title fight,” said Matchroom Boxing Chairman Eddie Hearn.
The first meeting between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan had it all – an electric build-up, guts, knockdowns, and a hugely controversial ending.
“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. This isn’t just a rematch. It’s my chance to silence the doubters and prove I’m the best welterweight in the world,” Crocker, acknowledging his subpar performance in March, vowed to deliver a career-defining effort.
Donovan, 26, is equally determined to rewrite the narrative. Coached by former world champion Andy Lee, he aims to capitalise on his technical prowess and repeat his dominance from the first fight.
“It’s going to be a great atmosphere in Belfast on fight night. I’m looking to repeat another stellar boxing performance, set the record straight, and come home with a World Title,” Donovan said.
His confidence stems from his control of the first bout, though he faces the challenge of maintaining discipline to avoid another costly mistake.
The historic nature of the bout and the intense rivalry have captured the imagination of Irish boxing fans, promising a charged atmosphere at Windsor Park.
As anticipation builds for what DAZN Vice President Alfie Sharman calls a potential “classic,” the Crocker-Donovan rematch is poised to deliver fireworks.
With both fighters vowing to leave no doubt, September 13 will mark a defining chapter in Irish boxing, as one man claims the IBF crown and etches his name in history.
Meanwhile, watch as football fans question FIFA’s move to scrap penalty rebound rule
ALL/VPO
