Last Updated on September 8, 2025 by Boxing Schedule
Irish boxing’s biggest night in decades is almost here. On Saturday, September 13, Windsor Park (Clearer Twist National Stadium) will host Lewis “Croc” Crocker (21-0, 11 KOs) and Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0-1, 11 KOs) for the vacant IBF welterweight world title. It’s history in the making, and it’s streaming worldwide on DAZN.
But how did we get here? And does either man walk in truly confident after the chaos of their first fight?
The Disqualification That Changed Everything
Back in March, Donovan was moments from sealing what looked like a statement win. Instead, a late punch after the eighth round saw him disqualified. Crocker got his hand raised, but it was hollow. Even he admitted it. The IBF didn’t like the look of it either, ordered a rematch, and when Jaron “Boots” Ennis dumped his belt to move up, they elevated this into a full championship fight.
Now the same question keeps circling: did Crocker dodge a loss that night, or was Donovan’s meltdown proof he isn’t ready for the big stage?
Crocker’s Homecoming or Home Pressure?
For Crocker, this isn’t just about a strap. It’s about validation in front of his own people. Training in Dubai with Billy Nelson, he knows Windsor Park is the stage that can define or destroy him.
“The first fight didn’t feel like a victory,” Crocker admitted. “This is about leaving no doubt and winning the belt in front of my people.”
But can he handle the pressure of fighting in Belfast with a whole nation watching?
Donovan’s Redemption Story or Another Collapse?
Donovan, meanwhile, has framed this as pure redemption. At 26, trained by Andy Lee and Keith Sullivan, he’s chasing the belt like a man who believes fate owes him one.
“I’ve been through setbacks, but this is history, and I’m proud to be part of it. I know what I need to do, and I’m ready to become world champion,” Donovan said.
Yet will his emotions betray him again if things don’t go his way in the ring?
Event Details
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Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
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Venue: Windsor Park (Clearer Twist National Stadium), Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Promoter: Matchroom Boxing
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Streaming: Live worldwide on DAZN
Main Event
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Lewis Crocker vs Paddy Donovan — 12 rounds, vacant IBF World Welterweight Championship
Chief Support
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Jim Donovan vs Lukasz Barabasz — 4 rounds, middleweight (Jim Donovan’s pro debut)
Undercard
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Additional Irish and international prospects TBA by Matchroom Boxing