DISQUALIFICATION – Lewis Crocker – Paddy Donovan Ends in Controversy
It was just as billed – one of the greatest all-Irish fights of all time.
Certainly one of the most dramatic, but unfortunately, one of the most controversial too.
Just when it looked like Paddy Donovan was about to score a sensational knockout win, he found himself disqualified and Lewis Crocker was declared the victor.
Rather than tears of joy ‘The Real Deal’ was streaming tears of pain, heartbroken after he was thrown out for punching after the bell.
It came second after the Limerick man had dropped a marked-up Crocker and looked on the verge of victory and came after Marcus McDonald had taken points off ‘The Real Deal’ for twice using his head.
‘The Croc’, who played his part in a brilliant fight, had one eye closed by that stage, looked in trouble but was dropped by a late shot and the ref called off the fight.
Such was the fight, the atmosphere, and the ending that there will be rematch demand. However, for now, Crocker is mandatory for the IBF welterweight world title and could challenge for a world title next.
Basking in Carl Frampton-like atmosphere, Crocker marched forward behind a high guard in the first. The home fighter was happy not to show or throw much. The Limerick side of the rivalry had to remain smart and avoid loading up. He did his best to pick holes around defence of the Belfast man.
The second was similar, although there was more by way of output by the Billy Nelson trained boxer. Crocker scored two eye-catching uppercuts but there was plenty of accurate work from Donovan, who was attempting to manipulate his opponent’s guard.
The fight opened up further in the third and the crowd somehow got louder. Donovan was happy to hold his feet and match his rival for fight and drew blood from Crocker.
Everything the Belfast man threw looked to have damaging power behind it, but the hand speed of the Andy Lee-trained man was the key factor.
By the end of the stanza, the Munster man was landing sharp and hurtful combinations.
The ‘Real Deal’ showed his class in the fourth and, despite being warned for use of the head, began to impose himself on proceedings.
Crocker was sporting a nick under the eye and looked marked up, yet still there was a sense the Belfast man was waiting to unload.
The big shots did come in a pulsating fifth. The Sandyrow fighter’s left hook came into play and tested the chin of the OLOL graduate.
Although Donovan’s skill set and accuracy were still on display as he peppered eye-catching flurries.
The Limerick man was docked a point for use of the head in a high octane sixth. Crocker was having success with single big shots but Donovan was in a groove and displaying the kind of talent his coach always suggested he possed.
Another clash of heads prompted Crocker to retreat and the referee to call a time out in the next, but the fact that Donovan punched the air at the end of the stanza said it all.
By no means was Crocker out of the fight but the fighter in Kronk colours boxing superb with brilliant accuracy, disguised power and top-level fluidity.
Another point deduction followed in the next round. However, rather than be undetered, Donovan pushed forward and had the Belfast man on the canvas soon after.
Crocker rose to his feet, roared on by the Belfast crowd. However, sensing an early finish and what would have been a special win, he went for the kill.
The big punching home fighter looked ripe for the taking and was on the canvas again but this time due to a punch that landed after the bell.
The referee proceeded to disqualify Donovan and declare Crocker the winner.
