AFTER two fights and two Lewis Crocker wins during 2025, ‘The Croc’ appeared to have trumped fierce rival Paddy Donovan for good. However, it now seems as though a trilogy bout could be in store for 2026, should Donovan get back to winning ways in his next outing.
Crocker, 22-0 (11 KOs), was being comprehensively outboxed in their first meeting in March, and seemed set for a stoppage defeat until a punch after the bell from Donovan, 14-2 (11 KOs), resulted in a controversial disqualification.
Believing to have been robbed of a surefire victory, Donovan’s team campaigned for a rematch and got an idealistic one, with the vacant IBF welterweight world title being up for grabs in their second encounter.
Yet, despite entering as an almighty favourite for the second instalment in July, Donovan was once again dealt defeat after being floored twice on route to a shock split-decision loss.
Following on from his famous win, Crocker is now eyeing up possible opponents for a first defence of the IBF crown, with names such as Manny Pacquiao and Conor Benn being linked.
Meanwhile, the IBF have decided to order a final eliminator between Donovan and Australia’s former 140lb world champion, Liam Paro, 27-1 (16 KOs), that will see the winner secure a future shot at Crocker, as per No Limit Boxing.
Paro lost his IBF super-lightweight world title to Richardson Hitchins last December and has appeared twice during 2025; halting Jonathan Navarro in a catchweight affair and outpointing David Papot upon his 147lb debut last month.
Should Donovan hand fellow southpaw, Paro, a second career defeat, he would be ordered for a trilogy clash with Crocker and thus earn a second opportunity to compete for world honours.
However, if Paro were to come out on top, the Irish 147lber would have officially lost three consecutive contests and find himself far removed from any potential title challenges.
The respective teams of Donovan and Paro have until Thursday, October 30, to reach an agreement for the fight or else it will go to purse bids, where Paro will have a 75-25 split in his favour as per the IBF’s rules.
