IBF Open Door for Crocker and Donovan to Meet in First Ever All Irish World Title Fight

The IBF’s latest ranking reveal has got Irish fight fans excited about a possible all-Irish world title fight.

The American organisation have placed both Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan at the top end of their welterweight rankings.

Belfast’s Crocker is the number 1 contender and at present is next in line for the winner of the unification bout between IBF champ Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis’ and WBA champion Eimantas Stanionis on April 12th at the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Meanwhile, Donovan improves to number 3 in the rankings despite his DQ defeat to his Irish rival in Belfast earlier this month.

It means at least one Irish fighter, Crocker, is guaranteed a world title shot and the new lay of the IBF land may just open the door for a historic all Irish world title bout.

The fact there is no number 2 in the rankings means Crocker and Donovan are top of the world title que, although the #2 spot is kept for the winner of an eliminator.

So if ‘Boots’ successfully wins the world title fight, and as expected moves up in weight and vacates, then as the next two in line the Irish duo could be mandated to fight for the vacant belt.

As per IBF rules, Donovan may have to get a victory before challenging but that is something that can be achieved with little risk if needs be.