BELFAST – As fight cities go, there are few that have boxing more woven into the fabric than Belfast.

Here, the fighters share top-billing in sporting and entertainment circles, and it is here where political divisions have been nullified by a single passion: boxing.

The pair fought on March 1 on an atmospheric night at the Odyssey Arena. Donovan had never looked better but was penalised for several infractions and ultimately disqualified for a shot that nailed Crocker after the bell and brought about the end of the fight. 

Donovan was heartbroken, but Crocker maintained his unbeaten record, and while Donovan pursued a return through the IBF, Crocker knew the rematch was inevitable.

Now Belfast has another huge boxing night, at Windsor Park, and Crocker believes the stars have aligned for him.

He is aware that he is picking up the baton left by the likes of Barry McGuigan and Carl Frampton, and he knows that some 20,000 fans will be cheering him on.

“[When you look] at all the memorable boxers who ever came from Belfast, and everyone in the city always backs their own, you know,” Crocker said. “Everyone likes to see each other doing well. Belfast is just an amazing city. I’m very proud to be from the city of Belfast, and the shows are always exceptional, even like the small hall shows, the big events, everything’s class. So, for sure, the next fight on 13th will be the biggest, arguably the biggest fight in Irish boxing.”

It will be a memorable night, regardless of how it all shakes out, but Crocker knows a win would fuel the Belfast desire for big nights. If Donovan wins, the big Irish fight nights may head south, to Dublin.

Crocker can tread the path Carl Frampton and Katie Taylor have walked.

“Yeah, it’s crazy to think, because I was always the kid and the guy who was in the crowd watching them fight, so to hold the torch as such, it would be unreal,” he added. “But that’s what it’s all about. That’s what you get into boxing for, you want to be in this position, so yeah, it would mean the world to me.” 

Crocker does not see himself as a star, but he knows what a win would do for his city.

“So, to be anywhere close to where Frampton was, it would be exceptional,” he continued. “I would be happy if I had half the career of that man. To keep going forward and to bring a world title to Belfast would be my dream. So, that’s the plan. I can picture the crowd and stuff and, you know, just everything about it. It’s going to be such a huge occasion for everyone in the city of Belfast.”

Boxing is only part of the Belfast story, of course. The Sectarian divide is another.

"When I was growing up, I never encountered any sectarianism,” Crocker added. “I went to an integrated school, with Catholics and Protestants, and I boxed for Ireland, I boxed for Holy Trinity in West Belfast, I’m from Sandy Row, and I have as many friends on one side as I do the other. I’ve always been neutral and to have the support from everyone in Belfast, it’s great. And I’m very proud that, like, the first all-Irish world title fight is in Belfast. It’s amazing.”
And when talk of the fight happening at Windsor Park began, Crocker had his heart set on it.

“I think there was talks about Windsor, I remember, just after the [first] fight [with Donovan], if it was to be made, and I think everyone had a feeling ‘Boots’ Ennis would move up, and I was thinking, ‘You know, if the world title was free there, I think Windsor could be made.’ I can’t remember when I got the confirmation, but I know there was talks for a while, and Windsor Park’s only five minutes’ walk from my house, really. I remember I used to run past that as a kid, and a scenario would be, that’s the absolute dream, the fight at Windsor, the biggest all-Irish fight for a world title. It doesn’t get any better, or it doesn’t get any bigger, either. Just everything about the event has motivated me, and to get the victory here, it would be my dream.”

Of course, Crocker’s positivity for the occasion is somewhat tarnished by questions about the first fight. He called it the worst performance of his career, and it is one that – ahead of the return – has left him feeling both underrated and disrespected.

“Yeah, I definitely do, but it’s good. I’ve never been in this position before, so I feel like I’ll surprise a lot of people on the night. The way I look at the last fight, I can only do better, you know what I mean? So, yeah, this time around, I need to be better in every aspect, and that’s where I’m going to be.”
As the underdog this time, there has been a mentality shift. Crocker has nothing to lose. Donovan is flying high, talking about the other big names at 147lbs. Crocker is the co-challenger, but he’s the one with the challenger’s mindset.

"It does change,” he admitted. “The last fight was seen as such a 50-50 fight, and then I feel like everyone’s written me off for this fight, so as I said before, I’m going to be better from the last time around, and I’m feeling very confident going into this fight.”