IRISH boxing fans could have a crowd favourite to cheer on during the Lewis Crocker-Paddy Donovan undercard in Belfast.
The highly anticipated IBF welterweight title eliminator is the main event at the SSE Arena on March 1 and the two men faced off yesterday after the launch press conference. Matchroom’s show will be bolstered by Irish talent one of which could be light heavyweight Padraig McCrory, 19-1 (9 KOs). Boxing News understands that the 36-year-old is in discussions for a fight against Craig Richards, 18-4-1 (11 KOs), although no deal has been agreed.
Recently on Instagram promoter Eddie Hearn described the Pat McCormack-Robbie Davies Jr undercard clash for February 15 in Manchester as, “A really good fight and exactly the kind of matchmaking I like.” A fight between McCrory and Richards could be described in a similar way. One which is a well-matched contest and one that you couldn’t predict with 100 percent confidence.
Both men have mixed in good company in recent fights, especially Richards. Since his win in 2020 over Shakan Pitters, who fights for the European title on February 7, Richards has gone the distance but lost on points to Dmitry Bivol, Joshua Buatsi and Willy Hutchinson. A trio of fights which the Londoner was competitive in throughout but is now in need of a significant win to boost his career.
McCrory, meanwhile, had been notching up solid wins before jumping up to world class level for the first time against Edgar Berlanga 13 months ago. The Irishman put up a valiant effort at the Caribe Royal in Orlanda but was knocked out in the sixth round by the New Yorker who went on to lose on points against Canelo Alvarez in September.
