Lewis Crocker’s rematch with Paddy Donovan likely for Ireland in August

Eddie Hearn is no longer relying on taking the proposed rematch between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan to Windsor Park.

The promoter is negotiating, on behalf of Matchroom, the rematch that was ordered by the IBF after the eliminator contest for their welterweight title in March concluded with a controversial disqualification of Donovan by the referee Marcus McDonnell in the eighth round after Donovan punched Crocker following the bell.

Donovan, 26, had earlier had points deducted in rounds six and eight for use of his elbow and head, and after he successfully appealed against the decision Hearn, who oversaw their first fight, had targeted the stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland that hosts the fixtures of the Northern Ireland soccer team.

Having started negotiations with both fighters, Hearn is aiming for a date in August, and is also considering the SSE Arena – which hosted the first fight – elsewhere in the city.

“That’s been ordered by the IBF, and we’re in negotiations with both sides to make that happen,” he told BoxingScene. “There is a chance it could be outside, but it could just be back in the arena. 

“Around August time. But [regardless of the venue] you will see that fight at the back end of the summer.”

Crocker, 28, was also bleeding by both eyes at the time of Donovan’s disqualification, and had been knocked down earlier in the eighth round.