Crocker-Donovan II set to be world title bout – Smith

The fight between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan is expected to take place at Windsor Park, according to Matchroom Boxing’s executive, Frank Smith, who said, “we are moving in the right direction.”

The potential date for what would be the first all-Irish world title fight has been suggested for Saturday, September 13.

The pair’s first meeting took place on March 1st, with an 8,500-person crowd of 8,500 tuning in for what was intended to be the title’s final elimination match between Jaron ‘Boots ‘ Ennis and SSE Arena in Belfast.

When asked about the rematch’s status as a world title, Smith responded, “Any day that should be finalized.”

“That will undoubtedly give the fight a compelling storyline.” This is their chance to demonstrate who deserves to win the title and become a world champion after the first fight ended in controversy.

“Hopefully in the coming days we’ll receive confirmation from the IBF that it’ll be for a full world title.”

Crocker won the first fight after the eighth round when Limerick’s Donovan was thrown out for punching after the bell after twice being deducted points for fouls.

The IBF granted a rematch, which would be a final elimination match, after Donovan’s team appealed.

Smith met with Irish Football Association (IFA) officials in Belfast on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of the rematch taking place at Windsor Park, and he claimed the discussions had been “positive”.

Gordon Lyons, Communities Minister, and the IFA are both understood to be interested in the idea, but Smith acknowledged that financial support from the NI Executive would “help make a decision easier” in terms of bringing the rematch to the Northern Ireland football team’s home.

Carl Frampton won the world title against Kiko Martinez at Titanic Slipways in September 2014, which was a first for the NI Executive.

Smith acknowledged that “stadium fights are very challenging to make economic sense.

It’s about putting on the best show possible, and this fight merits it. Does this make sense financially, then? Not likely. Everyone needs to know that we make business decisions that don’t make economic sense, which is why it’s important to have your support.

“Quite honestly, it would be simple to return the event to the arena, and we know we can sell out right away,” said one organizer. “But we want to do things differently and bring huge events.”