BELFAST – Irish stars Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan both promised victory ahead of their rematch on Saturday.
They meet at Windsor Park for the vacant IBF welterweight title, with Crocker coming off victory via disqualification last time out.
Donovan, 14-1 (11 KOs), was well ahead on the scorecards, at the Odyssey Arena in March, but lost after striking Crocker after the bell to end the eighth round.
“The last fight was massive, even before the result, going into this one it’s the highest stage for both of us. It’s what you get into boxing for,” said Belfast’s 21-0 (11 KOs) Crocker.
“I know I’m a much better fighter than I showed last time and I’ll show that on Saturday night… I believe I knock Paddy Donovan out. Without a doubt.”
“It is my time,” countered Limerick’s Donovan. “My confidence is through the roof. Lewis is a good fighter; I’m not going to take that away from him. He does a lot of things good, but he makes a lot of mistakes and I’m going to take advantage of them… I’m looking the best I’ve ever been, even better than the last time. No matter what he tries to do or his gameplan, it doesn’t matter… I know the way Lewis is, I know the man he is, and I’m going to end Crocker’s career on Saturday night.”
Crocker’s coach, Scotland’s Billy Nelson, alluded to problems last time out said: “We’ve had a fantastic camp in Glasgow and Dubai and he’s exuding confidence. I hope to God he’s 100 per cent this time… We’re super-confident for Saturday night.”
In the other corner, Andy Lee said he was unbothered by whatever Crocker might try to do differently.
“We’ve prepared for every outcome and every style,” said Lee. “The history of boxing tells you a fighter can’t really change that much. To me, it’s more about Paddy’s development as a fighter… he oozes the aura of a world champion. Paddy has that thing. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know they have it.”
Promoter Eddie Hearn added: “These are the kind of nights that we live for.”
