Discussions are ongoing between Lewis Crocker`s team and the Irish Football Association to potentially host a major rematch between Crocker and Paddy Donovan at Windsor Park, according to reports.
Windsor Park in Belfast, the home stadium for Northern Ireland`s national football team, is being considered as a venue for a significant Irish sporting event. Promoter Eddie Hearn hopes to fill the 18,500-seat stadium, drawing fans from Crocker`s Northern Irish base and Donovan`s supporters from Limerick.
Their first fight took place on March 1, 2025, at Belfast`s SSE Arena and was filled with drama. Crocker was declared the winner after Donovan threw an illegal punch after the bell in the eighth round. Donovan was leading on points, but had already been penalized for headbutting earlier in the fight. Referee Marcus McDonnell disqualified Donovan after the late punch, awarding a victory to Crocker who had sustained injuries.
The fight was an IBF welterweight title eliminator, promising the winner a chance to fight champion Jaron Ennis. Donovan`s team appealed to the IBF, and co-manager Keith Sullivan successfully argued their case.
Sullivan stated in a press release that “The rematch will be even bigger than the first fight.” He added, “The fans worldwide loved the first fight; the atmosphere was incredible. Matchroom did a great job promoting it, and it`s unfortunate how it ended. Paddy is now determined to set things right and continue his pursuit of a world title.”
Crocker, who sustained cuts around his eyes in the first fight, welcomed the IBF`s decision for a rematch. He posted on Instagram after returning from holiday: “Regarding the IBF rematch order, I WANT the rematch. Everyone asking about my next fight knows I want the Donovan rematch.”
He continued, “I haven`t considered any other opponent or fight besides the rematch. While I agree with the decision last time, as a fighter, I need to remove all doubt for the fans and myself next time. We need to do it again.”
If Windsor Park is chosen, it will join other football stadiums like Barnsley FC`s Oakwell Stadium and Ipswich Town FC`s Portman Road in hosting boxing events this year. Those other venues are scheduled for fights on June 7, 2025.
