BELFAST-native Lewis Crocker believes that all the pressure is on Paddy Donovan as the two undefeated Irish contenders clash this weekend with the winner becoming mandatory for the IBF welterweight title.
‘The Croc’ Crocker, 20-0 (11 KOs), will headline in his hometown of Belfast on Saturday night, in front over 8000 people in a bout that could have huge ramifications on the world scene at 147lbs. The winner will be next in line for the IBF welterweight strap, currently in possession of Philadelphian Jaron Ennis.
Crocker collides with 26-year-old southpaw Donovan, 14-0 (11 KOs), who is currently fighting under the guidance of former Irish middleweight world champion Andy Lee and will step into the lion’s den this weekend, in a bid to upset the hometown hero and derail Crocker’s world championship ambitions in favour of his own.
However, speaking at today’s press conference, ‘The Croc’ discussed why he thinks the pressure is on his Irish counterpart.
“I’ve always said Paddy is good, but he’s saying he’s going to be the next superstar, and I’m only a British level fighter in his eyes, so I feel like all the pressure is on him. He should be taking me out here in one or two rounds if that’s the case, but I’m here to upset the party.”
“I’m physically good and mentally good,” he added. “I’m as sharp as anything, super fit and super strong as I said at the last press conference, I’m going to be a tough man to beat”.
Crocker, trained by Scotsman Billy Nelson, is fresh off three career-best wins after outpointing Tyrone McKenna in 2023, before a stoppage victory over Jose Felix and a tight 10-round victory over Connah Walker last year.
But his fellow undefeated Irishman Donovan is also full of confidence ahead of Saturday night.
“My camp has gone absolutely brilliant, and I’ve worked really really hard,” ‘The Real Deal’ said at today’s press conference. “We’re here and I’m ready, it’s as simple as that, the talking is done and I’m ready to fight.”
Donovan last boxed in the spring of 2024, when he stopped Lewis Ritson in a one-sided beatdown, and the Limerick man can propel himself into world title contention with a win on Saturday.
“Since I turned pro with Andy Lee back in 2019, the goal was to be a world champion, no matter the opponents that get put in front of me, whether it’s Lewis (Crocker) or anyone else. I’ve got a job to do on Saturday and I’m very focused on getting it done.
“There’s not a doubt in the world that I beat him on Saturday night” Donovan said.
