Lewis Crocker (21-0, 13 KOs) and Paddy Donovan (14-1, 11 KOs) will fight for the vacant IBF welterweight title in a rematch on DAZN on September 13th at Windsor Park in Northern Belfast, Ireland.
IBF Welterweight Title Fight
Earlier this year, Donovan, 26, was disqualified in the eighth round for belting Crocker after the round had ended in an IBF welterweight title eliminator. A rematch was later called after Donovan appealed to the IBF. Hence, we’re seeing a second fight between these two rather than someone else getting a chance.
#1 IBF Crocker and #3 Donovan have been maneuvered into their high rankings through clever matchmaking, without either having faced any solid world-class opposition. For fans outside of the UK, they’re not pleased that these two are fighting for the vacant IBF 147-lb belt without having slogged their way through the division to earn their high rankings.
Paper Champion Argument
Having the IBF belt at stake for the Crocker-Donovan 2 rematch kind of taints the title, because neither of them has proven they deserve to battle or a battle. Whoever wins the IBF title from their clash will be viewed as a paper champion in the same light as WBC belt-holder Mario Barrios. That’s the reality of it. Whoever emerges from this clash will have an asterisk next to their name in the eyes of many fans, who will view them as second-rate.
Crocker and Donovan’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, obviously views them as having earned their spot to battle for the IBF crown, but he would know that neither of them has gone through the tough opposition to deserve to fight for a belt.
Fighters Crocker and Lewis should have fought already
– Jaron Ennis
– Raul Curiel
– Shakhram Giyasov
– Rohan Polanco
– Eimantas Stanionis
– Karen Chukhadzhian
Matchroom Boxing Event
“This is absolutely huge – the first ever all-Irish World Title fight,” said 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. That drama-filled night in March has set the rematch up perfectly, and September 13 promises to be even bigger and better.”
What fans don’t need is for the winner of the Crocker-Donovan 2 fight to mainly defend the IBF belt against regional fighters rather than outside of the UK. When looking at their records, it’s clear that they’ve primarily fought fighters from their country. Will we see that same kind of matchmaking being done for the winner of the IBF belt on September 13th? If so, should the IBF title be renamed, perhaps by adding the word “Commonwealth” to it?
Last Updated on 07/24/2025
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