"The 26-year-old Limerick southpaw seemed to out-fight and out-think 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. 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."
Donovan, a 26-year-old southpaw from Limerick, appeared to out-fight and out-think previously unbeaten Crocker as the fight went the distance at Windsor Park in Belfast. Donovan began on the back foot and suffered two knockdowns inside the opening five rounds, with Crocker slightly ahead on the judges' cards early on. Donovan rallied after the knockdowns, avoiding Crocker’s big looping shots and gradually turning the tide. By the eighth round Donovan had the measure of Crocker and his confidence grew. Donovan did more in the final rounds, gliding his way home and limiting Crocker to speculative jabs. A trilogy fight now seems likely after the split decision.
Read at Irish Independent
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