Lewis Crocker knows more is required if he is to spring an upset and defeat Paddy Donovan on Saturday.
The two Irishmen will meet in the first-ever all-Ireland world title fight at Windsor Park hot on the heels of their controversial clash earlier in the year.
Limerick’s Donovan, ahead on points, was disqualified for nailing Crocker after the bell, and the fight was stopped.
Belfast’s Crocker could not get a foothold in the fight, and now they meet for the IBF welterweight title vacated by Jaron “Boots” Ennis.
“It was the worst that I fought and just happened to be on the biggest occasion,” Crocker admitted. “So a lot of changes have to be made and I need to be a much better fighter next time around and that’s what I plan on being.”
Crocker admitted he did not anticipate the Andy Lee-trained Donovan to box as he did last time out.
“It’s a hard one because styles make fights, so it was good that we shared them rounds anyway and banked [them],” Crocker said. “We know what each other’s about now as well. “Well, I know I’ll be better. Paddy was a good fighter on the night, so I know what to prepare for.
“Sharing the rounds with Paddy obviously helps me going into the next fight. I've shared eight rounds there, so it’s all experience for the 13th of September. I always said Paddy was a great fighter. I’ll have to be on my A-star game to perform and beat this guy, and that’s what I plan on doing.”
The occasion on March 1 was incredible, and the crowd was so deafening that few were able to hear the bell after which Donovan landed the illegal shot. That was at the SSE Arena, and now they box in a stadium.
“The crowd was amazing last time,” Crocker added. “It always is in Belfast. Now we're talking Windsor Park. I think it’s around 20,000. It’ll be insane. It’ll be a memorable night for sure. So, I’ll feed off the crowd; the crowd’s energy. Everything about it's going to be amazing, and that’s what I’m looking very forward to.”
