Windsor Park Eyed for Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan Rematch After Controversial First Bout
Talks have begun between Lewis Crocker’s management and the Irish Football Association to bring a highly anticipated rematch between Crocker and Paddy Donovan to Windsor Park, as reported by The Belfast Telegraph.
The iconic Belfast stadium, home to Northern Ireland’s football team, could host one of Ireland’s biggest sporting events, with 18,500 seats expected to be packed by Crocker’s loyal Northern Irish fans and Donovan’s supporters from Limerick.
The pair’s first encounter on March 1, 2025, at Belfast’s SSE Arena ended in controversy. After a chaotic finish, Crocker claimed victory following an illegal post-bell punch from Donovan in round eight.
Donovan, who was leading on the scorecards (69-63 twice, 67-65), had already been penalized for headbutting by referee Marcus McDonnell. The late blow resulted in Donovan’s disqualification, handing the win to a battered Crocker.
The bout, which was originally billed as an IBF welterweight title eliminator with the winner set to face champion Jaron Ennis, has sparked a strong reaction.
Donovan’s team appealed to the IBF, and the co-manager, Keith Sullivan, succeeded in getting the result overturned. Sullivan believes the rematch will be even more significant than the first, citing the incredible atmosphere in the arena and the fans’ enthusiasm.
Crocker, still recovering from cuts over both eyes, has expressed his eagerness for the rematch. He took to Instagram after the IBF’s ruling, saying, “I WANT the rematch. I’ve always said I want the Donovan rematch. I agree with the decision last time – as a fighter, I need to prove to everyone, the fans, and to myself, that there’s no doubt next time.”
If the fight is confirmed for Windsor Park, it will join other football stadiums hosting boxing matches this year, such as Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium and Ipswich Town FC’s Portman Road. Both are set to feature exciting fights in June 2025, including Callum Simpson vs. Ivan Zucco and Fabio Wardley vs. Jarrell Miller.
