In a thrilling duel at Windsor Park Stadium, Lewis Crocker defeats his Irish rival Paddy Donovan on points and secures the IBF welterweight world title for the first time.
Lewis Crocker is the new IBF welterweight world champion. The unbeaten Northern Irishman won a split decision against his compatriot Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park Stadium in Belfast on Saturday evening – and was crowned champion in front of his home crowd.
Crocker (22-0, 11 knockouts) got off to a dream start, putting Donovan (14-2, 11 knockouts) down twice in the opening rounds. Although he did not manage to end the fight early, the early knockdowns proved decisive in the end. Many observers saw Donovan as stronger in the second half of the fight, but the judges scored it in Crocker’s favor.
In the third round, Donovan immediately went on the attack, but opened up his guard in the process – and suffered a hard left that forced him to the mat for the first time. Although the 26-year-old from Limerick recovered quickly, the scenario repeated itself in round five: Donovan stormed forward again and Crocker struck back cold as ice – this time with a cracking overhand right that left Donovan reeling again. Only the saving bell saved him from a possible knockout after the referee had already issued a standing eight count.
In the end, the judges scored it 115-111 for Donovan and 114-112 and 114-113 for Crocker. The 28-year-old thus won the first world title of his career in his home town.
Crocker had gone into the eagerly awaited rematch as the underdog after Donovan was disqualified in March for a hit after the bell. But this time the man from Belfast made history – and was crowned champion.