IBF order Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan rematch

Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan rematch ordered

The IBF have ordered an immediate rematch between Lewis Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs) and Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) in a welterweight eliminator fight.

Their first grudge match ended via a controversial disqualification after Donovan landed punches after the bell sounded to signal the end of round eight.

26-year-old southpaw, Paddy Donovan, was seemingly on his way to stopping Crocker after inflicting cuts on both his eyes, but he was unfortunate to continue throwing punches long after the bell for the end of round eight rung. The atmosphere inside The SSE Arena was electric and the noise was ear-splitting. It was very audible when watching live on DAZN .

Many spectators believed that referee Marcus McDonnell was to blame for not taking control of the fight. If it was difficult to hear the bell through all of the crowd commotion, then the official could have been closer to the action to step in-between when he was able to hear the bell.

Lewis Crocker (#1) and Paddy Donovan (#3) are the two top-rated welterweights in their world rankings. Their current champion at 147lbs is undefeated American Jaron Ennis.