Emerging Irish boxer Paddy Donovan, 14-0 (11 KOs), had to withdraw from a planned “stay busy” fight in December due to a minor injury. But he’s now preparing to fight a major rival in a domestic showdown.

Donovan, who fights out of Limerick and trains in Dublin, will fight Lewis Crocker, 20-0 (11 KOs), of Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 1st. The bout will headline a Matchroom Boxing card to be streamed live on DAZN from SSE Arena in Belfast in an IBF world title eliminator.

“There’s something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I’m the next,” Donovan proclaimed. “I think having turned pro at 19 and now 25, it took many life changes since turning pro. It’s so much what I’ve learned in the gym that counts the most as it is the ups-and-downs of life – becoming a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me to improve. I’ve improved as a person and that helped me become a better fighter.”

Donovan is currently rated in three of the four major sanctioning bodies: No. 5 with the WBA, No. 6 with the IBF, and No. 14 with the WBC. 

“I am in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee and Keith Sullivan,” Donovan said. “I know I will not stop until I’m world champion.”

“It is going to be an explosive fight for sure,” commented NYC attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, rugged Irishmen with a lot to prove to the world. We were concerned about the injury but feel confident that it won’t pose an issue for the March 1st battle. Paddy is locked in and training hard under the ever-watchful guidance of trainer Andy Lee.”

Donovan has dedicated his last few fights to the suicide prevention charity Pieta House, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity that provides mental health services throughout Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pieta Crisis Helpline, 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support, 24 hours a day 365 days a year, to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in self-harm and also supports those bereaved through suicide.