Paddy Donovan beaten by controversial split decision in all-Irish IBF World Welterweight title showdown in Belfast

"Limerick southpaw crestfallen after defeat at sold-out Windsor Park The 26-year-old Limerick southpaw seemed to have out-fought and out-thought the previously unbeaten Crocker as the fight went the distance at the Belfast football stadium. But, much to Donovan's surprise, Crocker got the decision. Donovan started on the back foot almost from the start and suffered two knockdowns inside the opening five rounds with Crocker also slightly ahead on the judges' cards."

"However, Donovan rallied and began to turn the tables on the hometown hero, avoiding the big looping shots from Crocker. By the eighth round, Donovan had the measure of his opponent with his confidence growing. Donovan was doing more in the final rounds to justify the decision as he glided his way home and limited Crocker to speculative jabs. Carl Frampton, working as a pundit for Dazn, marked the fight in Donovan's favour, while his colleague Tony Bellew also believed Donovan shaded it."

"Dazn's post-fight interviews with former boxers will do little to soften the blow for Donovan as they all marked the fight in his favour. The pair met earlier this year at Belfast's SSE Arena, where Crocker was handed victory after Donovan was disqualified for throwing a punch after the bell. After tonight's decision a trilogy fight is now surely on the cards. CROCKER TAKES SHOCK VICTORY That's a huge, huge shock. Northern Ireland has a new WORLD CHAMPION and his name is Lewis Crocker. The Belfast man has stunned Paddy Donovan, stunned Irish boxing and stunned the critics to win the IBF World Title. Crocker beats Donovan, once again!"

Paddy Donovan was defeated by Lewis Crocker on points at a sold-out Windsor Park, handing Crocker the IBF World Title. Donovan began cautiously, suffering two knockdowns inside the opening five rounds, leaving Crocker slightly ahead on the judges' cards. Donovan rallied from the eighth round, avoiding Crocker's big looping shots, growing in confidence and doing more in the final rounds to justify his case. Pundits Carl Frampton and Tony Bellew both scored the contest for Donovan. The pair previously met this year at Belfast's SSE Arena, where Crocker won after Donovan was disqualified for a punch after the bell, making a trilogy likely.

Read at Irish Independent